Local News

Ohio man facing more than 20 years in prison for threatening Arizona election official

By Patrick Damp

/ CBS Pittsburgh

Ohio man facing federal charges for allegedly threatening election official

WASHINGTON (KDKA) - The U.S. Department of Justice has filed federal charges against an Ohio man for threatening an Arizona state election official. 

The 44-year-old Joshua Russell allegedly left voicemails threatening to kill an official in the Arizona Secretary of State's office, leading up to the midterm elections. 

Russell's arrest is the result of Attorney General Merrick Garland's Election Threats Task Force. 

If convicted on all charges, Russell could face more than 20 years in prison. 

The task force has brought at least six federal cases so far, with arrests in Colorado, Arizona, and Michigan for threats against election workers. 

Patrick Damp

Patrick is a Pittsburgh native who grew up watching KDKA-TV and studied journalism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before working in news, he worked in professional hockey communications and public relations.

First published on December 17, 2022 / 1:37 PM EST

© 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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