BT Reveal Results of DMA Ballot Stuffing Criminal Inquiry
11/14/2007 -- by merlin

LONDON, England (BBC) -- Digital Music Awards sponsors BT have revealed the long-awaited results of an expensive month-long inquiry into alleged ballot-stuffing during this year's People's Choice Award open voting, announcing that no formal criminal charges will be filed.

Rumors circulated immediately after voting ended in early October that serial overachievers ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead were under investigation by event organizers when their names were conspicuously absent from the People's Choice Award final results.  While failing to go so far as to confirm the identity of the guilty party or parties, BT spokesman Ali Fleischman indicated highly-localized voting fraud had ravaged their last two contests.  "We experienced similar problems during last year's competition with individuals acting discernibly on behalf of these same entrants," Fleishman said.  "The entrants denied all involvement and knowledge of the scheme, but it is clear to us now they were fully aware of the illegal activities perpetrated in their name.  Fortunately we were able to catch them before all votes were tallied.  As of now we will not be seeking any criminal injunctions.  We hope those involved will take this as a stern, decisive warning and not a slap on the wrist."

Several months ago, Trail of Dead multi-instrumentalist Jason Reece spoke of the DMA voting competition, encouraging his fans to come up with a similar result to last year where they successfully overachieved to a fantastic 13th place.  "Our fans are a bunch of highly motivated individuals and they gave us a result which we feel was fully deserved," Reece said at the time.  "This year we're hoping for more of the same."  His cryptic off-hand remarks came attached with a curious disclaimer, perhaps foreshadowing this week's revelations.  "Regardless of what has been said, we have never been involved in any ballot stuffing, espionage, or wiretapping."

Calls to Trail of Dead management seeking comment and clarification remained unreturned as of press time.

>> Breaking Trail of Dead News