Ex-Coldwater mayor pleads guilty to voting as a noncitizen

Former Coldwater mayor Joe Ceballos pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts for voting without U.S. citizenship; he is a permanent resident with a green card and says the voting was an honest mistake. The charges were downgraded from felony to misdemeanor due to lack of intent, under a plea deal that calls for one year of probation with a six-month jail sentence suspended and a $2,000 fine plus court fees. Immigration officials could pursue removal if felonies were charged, but the defense argues residency should not be affected. Supporters attended court, and Ceballos is viewed locally as a well-liked cattle rancher.