A temporary Arizona election worker was arrested in Phoenix after he allegedly stole a security fob and keys from the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center.
Walter Ringfield, who identified himself to law enforcement, is facing charges of theft and criminal damage for the act, according to court documents obtained by CNN. Maricopa County and Arizona have been at the center of various election denial theories.
Newly appointed Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner said law enforcement did not “have any indication at this point” that the move was politically motivated but that a political explanation was not being ruled out.
Surveillance video shows Ringfield taking the fob and keys from a desk near multiple tabulators around 5 p.m. on June 20. He placed the fob and keys in his pocket. He was asked about taking them by his elections supervisor and then allowed security to follow him to his car after the incident for a search.
Bill Gates, a Maricopa County supervisor, told reporters that a fob alone would not allow someone to turn on the tabulation center. Gates said the Republican and Democratic parties of Arizona had been briefed on the incident, and it “should not have any impact whatsoever” on the state’s July 30 primary.
Every single fob and tablet used for tabulation will now need to be reprogrammed because one of the fobs was taken. The estimated cost to reprogram and replace fobs and tablets will cost $19,000.
Ringfield will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Thursday as he is also facing an unrelated pending felony case against him.
Arizona’s secretary of state’s office told CNN the incident here “should reassure the public about the effectiveness of the security measures in place” at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center.
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“Our systems are not only designed to detect anomalies but are also supported by dedicated professionals committed to upholding the democratic process. While this event is unwelcome, it speaks the effectiveness of the security protocols built into Arizona’s election systems,” the statement said.
“The swift actions of the Maricopa County elections staff, including the re-conducting of logic and accuracy tests, builds in extra layers of protection of all affected equipment. This quick response will prevent any potential impact on the upcoming elections,” the statement continued.
