A special prosecutor was appointed Tuesday to investigate allegations that aides to Rep. Scott Taylor, R-Va., forged signatures on petitions to help get an independent candidate on the ballot, in an effort to boost Taylor’s chances over his Democratic challenger in the midterm election.

Four Taylor campaign staffers helped gather signatures for former Democratic candidate Shaun Brown to get on the November ballot for Virginia’s 2nd congressional district. Elaine Luria is the Democratic nominee, but the Taylor campaign could benefit from Brown being on the ballot as an independent, potentially drawing votes away from Luria. Shaun Brown told Virginia news outlet WHRO that she had no knowledge of the effort by Scott staff to collect signatures for her campaign.

“There is a pending investigation regarding potential violations of the Code of Virginia, including violations of election laws and forgery,” wrote Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle, in his request for a special prosecutor. Circuit Court Judge Glenn Croshaw appointed Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Caldwell as a special prosecutor in the case.

Taylor had previously cut ties with his campaign manager for different reasons, but the investigation prompted him to also fire his campaign consultant. The payments made to four campaign staffers in the days leading up to the petition deadline were described as “payroll” or “campaign consulting — staff” in Federal Election Commission records. The names and dates match those on the petitions filed to get Brown on the ballot.