Part I: Who’s vetting? Board member’s criminal record overlooked

Fight Voter Fraud, Inc. has appointed some newer board members in 2025; but one of them has a criminal history. In 2022, John Garland impersonated a town official in New York to scam businesses; he also served prison time in New York, convicted for a 1987 murder. According to sources, CEO Linda Szynkowicz was fully aware of Garland’s background when she appointed him to the non profit’s board.

The scam

Police in Hicksville, NY alleged that on Sept 7, 2022 Garland entered G and J Dry Cleaners, claiming he was a “code enforcement inspector” for the Town of Oyster Bay. He told the business owner that their sign was in violation of town ordinances. Garland then threatened the business with a $5,000 fine if the sign was not addressed within 72 hours, police said.

Garland issued the business fake “Notice of Violation” paperwork that had the seals of Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead, and the Town of Oyster Bay.The dry cleaner owner was given the number of a business called FastSigns, located at 392 N. Wantagh Avenue in Bethpage, police said. The business owner was given an estimate of $2,200 to fix the fraudulent violation.

An investigation found that Garland visited 114 businesses and told them their signs were in violation. He was charged with first-degree scheme to defraud, second-degree attempted grand larceny, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and second-degree criminal impersonation. – Patch.

The 1987 murder connection

On March 30, 1987, John Garland and another individual were part of an execution-style murder in New York. Garland was subsequently arrested, and appealed his conviction unsuccessfully.

Evidence showed that Garland and another individual, both armed with guns, forced their way into an apartment, and fired at least one shot each. Two bullets entered the victim, and a bullet grazed the leg of the deceased’s girlfriend, who was in the apartment at the time. 

Her testimony, and that of a treating physician, indicated that the bullet wound was burning and bleeding, required hospital treatment, and resulted in prolonged pain and continuing leg cramps. 

The jury … found that the elements of the manslaughter and assault charges were proved beyond a reasonable doubt. (See, People v. Barnes, 50 N.Y.2d 375). Garland spent about 16 years behind bars. — Case text

The Response

Fight Voter Fraud, Inc. issued this statement:

“After careful consideration, Mr. Garland has resigned from FVF’s board of directors, effective immediately. We wish him the best.

To FVF’s knowledge, the allegations against Mr. Garland are currently being investigated by federal and NY authorities for police misconduct. We have no information that would lead us to believe that Mr. Garland is guilty of anything. Instead, what we do know raises the same questions of corruption that FVF has made its mission to investigate. What we also know is that Mr. Garland has devoted substantial time to giving back to his community and speaking out on controversial issues. We question whether any investigation involving him is a political hit job. 

We regret that these issues are distracting from the widespread criminal violations of election law and the overwhelming need to take election integrity seriously.”

— Attorney Cameron Atkinson, counsel for Fight Voter Fraud.

Fight Voter Fraud, Inc. has removed Mr. Garland’s photo and bio from their website, but he is still listed as of April 29, 2025, as a board member.