PHOENIX — A Phoenix man has been criminally charged for allegedly sending a threatening email to Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates during the fallout of the 2022 general election.
After multiple Republican candidates lost key statewide races last November, one GOP leader on the county board of supervisors found himself the target of a threatening message.
According to a charging document filed on June 1, 44-year-old Ryan S. Hadland allegedly emailed a threat to Gates on Nov. 12, 2022.
Gates and other county officials were subjected to criticism from members of their own political party after a printer problem caused some temporary issues on Election Day. Gates has since announced that he's not running for re-election in 2024.
Hadland has been charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which could result in a jail sentence and a $2,500 fine.
A Pima County judge has been assigned to preside over the case in Maricopa County, according to the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
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