Watkins specifically faces criminal charges of interference with the police, providing false information; vote without being qualified; illegal early voting; and not notify DMV of the change of address.
The news of the charges came moments before Watkins, who is on re-election, appeared in a primary debate. When asked about the charges, Watkins said they were “very suspicious” and said he hoped to clarify their names.
“This is clearly hyperpolitical. It comes out just before our first debate and three weeks before the election. I have done nothing wrong,” he said, adding that he had not yet seen the charges.
“I just know that I am eager to clear my name. I have done nothing wrong and I hope to set the record straight.”
Watkins appeared to address the substance of at least one of the charges, stating, “As soon as I realized that I had put my mailing address in place of my physical address, we fixed it.”
CNN has reached out to Watkins’ office for comment.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
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