An Iowa man has pleaded guilty to making threats towards both a Maricopa County election official and an official from the Office of the Arizona Attorney General. Mark A. Rissi, 64, left threatening voicemail messages directed at Clinton Hickman, an election official with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, and former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Rissi’s messages contained explicit language and threats of violence, including references to hanging and death. The guilty plea demonstrates the commitment of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force to holding individuals accountable for unlawfully threatening election workers. Rissi is scheduled to be sentenced in June and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count.
Man Pleads Guilty To Making Threats To Maricopa County Election Official and To Official With Office of Arizona Attorney General
Background
In a recent case that highlights the importance of protecting election workers, an Iowa man has pleaded guilty to making threats towards a Maricopa County election official and an official with the Office of the Arizona Attorney General. These threats, made in voicemail messages, demonstrate the need for safeguarding the individuals who administer the most fundamental aspect of our democracy – elections.
Threats Made Against Maricopa County Election Official
Mark A. Rissi, 64, of Hiawatha, Iowa, left a threatening voicemail message for Clint Hickman, an election official with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Rissi expressed his disagreement with Hickman’s stance on the honesty and fairness of the election and made violent threats against him. These threats demonstrate a complete disregard for the principles of democracy and the importance of respecting the voices of the people.
Threats Made Against Official with Office of Arizona Attorney General
In addition to the threats made against Clint Hickman, Rissi also left a threatening voicemail message for then-Attorney General of Arizona, Mark Brnovich. Rissi accused Brnovich of being aware of fraudulent activities during the 2020 election and warned him of the consequences if he did not take action. This type of intimidation toward public officials is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of our electoral process.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
As a result of his actions, Mark A. Rissi pleaded guilty to two counts of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case serves as a reminder that threats against election workers will be taken seriously and result in legal consequences.
Importance of Protecting Election Workers
The threats made by Mark A. Rissi underscore the importance of protecting election workers. These individuals play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of our electoral system. They should be able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. When election workers are threatened, it undermines public trust in our democratic process and erodes the very foundation of our nation. It is crucial that measures are taken to safeguard these individuals and preserve the integrity of our elections.
FBI Investigation and Involvement
The FBI played a crucial role in investigating the threats made by Mark A. Rissi. As part of their mission to defend the democratic process, the FBI is equipped to respond to allegations of election interference, whether it be through fraud, cyber intrusion, or intimidation. The FBI Phoenix Field Office, with the assistance of the FBI Cedar Rapids Field Office, conducted the investigation into the threats made against the Maricopa County election official and the official with the Office of the Arizona Attorney General. Their efforts highlight the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect those who serve our democracy.
The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, which was launched in June 2021 to address threats of violence against election workers. The Task Force, led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and several other entities within the Department of Justice, works to ensure that all election workers can carry out their duties free from threats and intimidation. It engages with the election community and law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats and investigates and prosecutes these matters where appropriate. The Election Threats Task Force is instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of our electoral system and protecting those who play a crucial role in it.
Contact Information for Reporting Threats
If you suspect threats or violence related to elections, it is important to report them to the appropriate authorities. To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. You can also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation. Immediate threats or risks of harm should be reported to 911 or your local police.
Other Related Cases
This case is not an isolated incident. Threats against election workers have been reported across the country, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect those who serve our democracy. The Justice Department, through its Election Threats Task Force, continues to address and investigate these cases in partnership with FBI Field Offices and United States Attorneys’ Offices. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, the Justice Department aims to deter such threats and ensure the safety of election workers.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of Mark A. Rissi serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting election workers and upholding the integrity of our electoral system. Threats against these individuals not only jeopardize their personal safety but also undermine the trust and confidence of the American people in our democracy. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and the Justice Department, are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who unlawfully threaten election workers. Through the efforts of the Election Threats Task Force, measures are being taken to ensure that all election workers can carry out their responsibilities without fear of violence or intimidation. Safeguarding our elections and protecting those who support them is crucial to upholding the principles of democracy.