A federal jury on Wednesday afternoon returned not guilty verdicts on all charges in the ballot fraud case involving three county officials.

Richard Crist, James Gordon and Leslie Wallace were acquitted of conspiring to obtain and cast fake absentee ballots in voters' names during the 2021 elections. They had faced up to 10 years in prison.

“The testimony in this case, when you review it in light of the law, I think led us to this result,” defense attorney Paul DerOhannesian said.

Jury deliberations had started Tuesday in the 13-day trial.

The jury also found Gordon not guilty of witness tampering, and Wallace not guilty of making false statements.

“We’ll have a lot more to say as the days unfold, but for now, we want to thank all our supporters – our friends and family – for tremendous support when many walked away," Crist said. "And there were lonely days, but you stood by us and this is your victory too.”

Gordon also thanked the jury, attorneys and supporters.

“You can’t put words to it, it’s almost four years and those are four years of life you’re not going to get back," he said. "All we now know is the life we have ahead of us because of the great work that was done by attorneys, but also for the common sense and understanding of the jury.”

Wallace did not speak with media following Wednesday’s verdict.

Correction: An earlier version of the story misidentified the court this case appeared in. It was a federal case.