A man from California was taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly making threats against an election worker in Arizona.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a man from California was apprehended on Thursday for making threats against an Arizona election worker in Phoenix.
William Hyde, 52, was taken into custody in San Diego, after authorities allege on November 29, 2022, Hyde left two voicemails that contained threats to an election official at the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office.
The Justice Department stated that the messages were received the day after the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors officially certified the 2022 general election outcomes in Maricopa County.
According to officials, Hyde was extremely angry. The day after the meeting, he left a voicemail for the official, stating, “Hurry up and leave, (expletive),” as reported by the Justice Department.
According to reports, Hyde sent a subsequent message just a minute after, stating, “Do you plan on manipulating our elections? Do you intend to deprive Americans of their rightful votes? We will take action, (expletive). You should hide in fear.”
As per the Justice Department, he transmitted both messages to the victim’s personal mobile phone.
According to Gary Restaino, the U.S. Attorney for Arizona’s District, election workers in the state of Arizona deserve better treatment.
Hyde has been charged with one count of transmitting a threat across state lines. He could potentially face up to five years in prison as the maximum punishment.
The FBI Phoenix field office is collaborating with the FBI San Diego field office to aid in its ongoing investigation.
Hyde is scheduled to appear in a federal court in San Diego on Friday.
