CNN
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A temporary election worker in Arizona was arrested Saturday after allegedly stealing security fobs and keys from the Board of Elections. Maricopa County According to court documents obtained by CNN, the Center for Counting and Elections is in charge.

Arizonaand Maricopa County in particular, have been a hotbed of election conspiracy theories since 2020. The Arizona Secretary of State's Office said in a statement Monday that the fact that Maricopa officials identified the security incident shows the county's election security protocols are working. The announcement came amid concerns that the incident could be used to further fuel conspiracy theories in the state.

Walter Lingfield, who identified himself to police as a temporary employee at the counting center, has been charged with theft and criminal damage. Local officials confirmed to CNN that Lingfield is in Maricopa County Sheriff's Office custody and awaiting his next court appearance in an unrelated felony case.

According to court documents, Lingfield was seen on surveillance video walking past a desk and several counting machines just after 5 p.m. on June 20.

According to court documents, surveillance footage then shows Lingfield stopping in front of the desk and grabbing the lanyard with the security fob and key attached and placing it in his pocket.

After being confronted by the head of the electoral commission about taking the security fob and keys, Lingfield allowed security officers to search his car.

Arizona detectives eventually executed a search warrant on Lingfield's home, where the FOB was located.

Investigators said the security fobs were used with special security tablets during the election, and because one was removed, all fobs and tablets will need to be reprogrammed, court documents state.

The elections office's director told investigators that the estimated cost of replacing the security fobs and tablets would be more than $19,000.

“Until the reprogramming is complete, the safe operation of the facility will be significantly impaired,” court documents state.

During his initial court appearance Saturday, Lingfield was informed he had another felony case pending and would be held until his next court appearance, scheduled for Thursday, video of the arraignment showed. Lingfield appeared surprised when the judge informed him of the other pending case and said it was his understanding the unrelated case had already been resolved.

It was not immediately clear whether Lingfield had an attorney.

In a statement to CNN, the Arizona Secretary of State's office said the incident at the Maricopa County Counting and Election Center “should reassure the public about the effectiveness of the security measures that have been put in place.”

“Our systems are not only capable of detecting anomalies, but are supported by experts dedicated to upholding our democratic process. While this incident is unwelcome, it speaks to the effectiveness of the security protocols built into Arizona's election systems,” the statement said.

“Quick action by Maricopa County Board of Elections staff, including re-conducting logic and accuracy tests, has further secured all affected devices. This swift response will help prevent any potential impacts to future elections,” the office added.