An Alabama man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly sending threatening messages to Maricopa County Elections workers in Phoenix.
Brian Jerry Ogstad, 59, of Cullman, made his first appearance in federal court Wednesday in Huntsville.
“As alleged in the indictment, Brian Ogstad sent threatening messages to a social media account maintained by the Maricopa County Elections office. After referencing claims of voter fraud in Arizona’s 2022 gubernatorial race, Ogstad allegedly made a number of threats to election workers and officials, including that they were ‘dead’ and ‘stupid if you think your lives are safe,’” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Public servants who administer our elections — the cornerstone of our democracy — must be able to do their jobs without fear. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who target election officials and workers with threats of violence.”
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According to an indictment, on or around August 2, 2022, Arizona held primary elections for federal and state officeholders, including a gubernatorial primary that received national media attention.
From the day of the election until around August 4, 2022, Ogstad allegedly sent multiple threatening direct messages to Maricopa County Elections’ Instagram social media account.
For example, on or around August 3, 2022, Ogstad allegedly said: (1) “You did it!” Now you’re [expletive]. Dead. “You will all be executed for your crimes”; (2) “[expletive] you!” You’re caught! They have it all. You [expletive] are dead”; (3) “You are lying, cheating [expletive], and you should not come into my church, business, or send your children to my school. You are [expletive] stupid if you believe your lives are safe”; and (4) “You [expletive] are so dead.”
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On or around August 4, 2022, Ogstad also allegedly said, “[Y]ou people are so ducking [sic] stupid.” Everyone knows you are a bunch of liars, cheaters, and fraudsters who have committed treason in relation to elections. You all will be executed. Bang, [expletive]!”
“We cannot permit election skeptics to threaten vigilante justice,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “We will continue to prosecute true threats against Arizona’s election officials and other public servants, including direct messages sent on social media, or communications in any other format.”
Ogstad faces five counts of communicating an interstate threat. If convicted, Ogstad faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count.
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