Phoenix (AZ Family) — An Alabama man was sentenced to prison Monday for making threats against the Maricopa County Elections Department.
Brian Jerry Ogstad, 60, of Cullman, Alabama, completed a 30-month prison sentence, followed by 36 months of probation. He must also pay a $1,000 fine.
“We honor and respect the public servants who enable Americans to exercise their constitutional right to vote this election season,” U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino said in a news release. “And we are committed to protecting all election workers from intimidation and harassment. In this district, threats of violence, whether conveyed by words, deeds or photographs, will be met with strong prosecution.” .”
The threats began on August 2, 2022, after Arizona’s federal and state legislative primaries. Over the next two days, Ogstad sent multiple messages to an Instagram account managed by the Maricopa County Elections Department.
Ogstad said in one message. now you [expletive]. Died. You will all be executed for your crimes. ” In another text, he said: “You’re lying and cheating. [expletive] . . . You shouldn’t come to my church or my business or send your children to my school. you [expletive] You are foolish if you think your life is safe…”
A few days later, Mr. Ogstad made similar statements, including the following:[Y]you guys are so stupid [sic] fool. everyone knows you have a lot [sic]committing fraud, fraud, and treason in acts related to elections. You will all be executed. bang [expletive]”
In July, he pleaded guilty to one count of interstate threatening communications.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated this case with significant assistance from the FBI Birmingham Field Office.
FBI Phoenix Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarrod Brown said threats of violence against election workers and threats to the democratic process cannot become normalized.
Related: Election threats are the focus of U.S. attorneys, federal task force
Was there a spelling or grammatical error in your story? Click here to report.
Have a breaking news photo or video? Send it to us that’s for us here Comes with a simple explanation.
Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
