Five Democratic operatives in Connecticut's largest city have made their first court appearances since being charged with tampering with absentee ballots in the 2023 election.

Stephanie Perez, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to prison for her role in an identity and vehicle theft scheme that made more than $1M, officials said.

Five people charged in Bridgeport in connection with an investigation into how absentee ballots were handled made their first appearances in court Thursday. It was a quick first hearing for those who are charged,

A Connecticut man is accused of driving more than 100 miles per hour before crashing on I-95 and running away, while the other driver was hospitalized, authorities said.Matthew Perez, 21, of Bridgeport,

Pataky, Alfredo Castillo, Maria Pereira, Jazmarie Melendez and Margaret Joyce allegedly abused the absentee ballot system in 2023.

In this News 8 digital extra, News 8 investigative reporter Jeff Derderian sits down with Ryan McGuigan, a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, to discuss the Bridgeport cannibal case.

The defendants include three Bridgeport City Council members, the vice chair of the Democratic Town Committee, and a Stratford resident.

A Bridgeport woman was sentenced to federal prison for her role in a multistate identity and vehicle theft scheme on Wednesday, according to the Department of Justice.

What to know about the people who surrendered to police following an investigation that ended in allegations of absentee ballot fraud.