Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Bomb Threat to Arizona Election Official

In a recent development, a Massachusetts man, James W. Clark, 40, of Falmouth, has been sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison for sending a bomb threat to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. The sentencing, announced on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, marks a significant step in holding individuals accountable for unlawful threats against election workers.

Clark's threatening communication, sent via the Arizona Secretary of State’s website, demanded the resignation of the election official by a specified deadline, accompanied by a menacing warning of an explosive device. Following the transmission of the threat, law enforcement initiated thorough investigations, including partial evacuations and bomb sweeps of the office building and the election official's personal residence and vehicle.

"Those resorting to illegal threats of violence to intimidate election workers should understand that the Justice Department will pursue them and ensure accountability under the law," emphasized Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. The swift response and investigative efforts undertaken highlight the commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and protecting election officials from acts of intimidation or violence.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri emphasized, "Public servants entrusted with upholding free and fair elections must be able to carry out their duties without fear of violence." The sentencing of Clark underscores the Justice Department's unwavering dedication to addressing threats against election officials and maintaining the sanctity of the democratic process.

Clark's guilty plea to making a threatening interstate communication in August 2023 culminated in the sentencing, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the imperative of upholding the rule of law. The FBI Phoenix Field Office led the investigation, with assistance from the FBI Boston Field Office.

This case forms part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, established to combat threats of violence against election workers and ensure their ability to perform their duties without interference. Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, the task force continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and election communities nationwide to address threats and uphold democratic principles.

Individuals with information on suspected threats or violent acts are urged to contact their local FBI office or submit complaints online. Immediate assistance may be sought by contacting 911 or local law enforcement in cases of imminent danger or risk of harm.

Statement on Investigation into Shooting of Border Patrol Agents

The FBI and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a joint investigation into the shooting of Border Patrol agents near Naco, Arizona, on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, in the early morning hours. One agent died from his injuries and another, who sustained non-life threatening wounds, was airlifted to a local hospital. The investigation remains ongoing.

Mohave County Man Indicted on Charges of First-Degree Murder and Child Abuse on Fort Mojave Indian Reservation

PHOENIX—On September 21, 2012, Matthew Lee Smith, 30, of Mohave Valley, Arizona, had his initial appearance in federal district court in Phoenix. On August 22, 2012, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned an indictment against Smith for two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of child abuse, one count of assault with intent to commit murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit child abuse, and four counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, all of which allegedly occurred on the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. Smith is being detained pending trial, which is set in Prescott, Arizona, before Senior U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt on November 6, 2012.

A conviction for first-degree murder carries a minimum penalty of 30 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life in prison, or, unless the defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of an Indian tribal government, death, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for child abuse carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 24 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for each of the assault charges carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Mojave Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Jennifer E. Green, Dyanne C. Greer, and Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CBP Officers in Southern Arizona Seize Meth, Heroin Valued at $529,000

San Luis, Ariz. – Two men were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in separate incidents yesterday for attempting to smuggle methamphetamine and heroin into the United States. 

Juan Francisco Diaz-Juarez, 21, of San Luis, Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico was arrested after officers found nearly 18 pounds of methamphetamine and more than two pounds of heroin – with a combined value of $304,200 – inside his vehicle. The seizure took place after Diaz was referred for a secondary search of his Ford sedan and a CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs inside his front bumper.

At about the same time, officers referred Louis Acosta, 38, of San Luis, Ariz., for a secondary inspection of his Jeep SUV. A service canine alerted to a modified compartment in the rear-tire wells, resulting in the discovery of 20 methamphetamine packages valued at $225,000.

In each incident, the drugs were processed for seizure and the subjects were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcements’ Homeland Security Investigations. 

Individuals arrested may be charged by complaint, the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity, which raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

All CBP assets in Arizona were realigned under a unified command structure in February 2011. Joint Field Command – Arizona unifies the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, to enhance border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to meet Arizona’s unique challenges. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit cbp.gov/Arizona for more information.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Colorado Man Wanted for Homicide Nabbed at Port

San Luis, Ariz. — A Colorado man wanted for homicide was arrested Tuesday by Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Luis Port of Entry.

Consuelo Zavala, 35, was selected for additional questioning when he attempted to enter the United States through a pedestrian lane. After a routine records check revealed the warrant out of Weld County, Colo., he was arrested and turned over to the San Luis Police Department for extradition.

The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP Officers Seize Nearly $257K in Narcotics

Nogales, Ariz. — Three individuals were arrested in separate smuggling attempts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers during weekend inspections at the Dennis DeConcini Port.

Francisco Javier Silva Enriquez, 50, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, was apprehended Sunday after CBP officers – aided by a narcotics detection canine – removed almost 12 pounds of cocaine and more than seven pounds of methamphetamine from the rocker panels of his Chrysler SUV. Combined, the drugs are valued at roughly $221,000.

Fernanda Lizeth Woo, 19, of Nogales, Ariz., was taken into custody Friday after she attempted to enter the United States through a pedestrian lane with more than a pound of methamphetamine hidden in her clothing. The drugs have an estimated value exceeding $18,000.

Jesus Antonio Maldonado Peiro, 20, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico was arrested Friday after he also attempted to enter the United States through a pedestrian lane with $18,000 worth of methamphetamine hidden in his clothing.

The vehicle and drugs were seized in all three cases. Each subject was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Individuals arrested may be charged by complaint, the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity, which raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.