The Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center reports that a temporary worker allegedly stole an item from the elections center, which has since been recovered.
According to a statement issued by the county on Monday, workers at the Election Center discovered when completing inventory on Friday that something had been taken on Thursday evening, and it was reported to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials did not say exactly what was taken, but the county says they are reprogramming and retesting all of their election equipment.
“Once the tabulation machines were reprogrammed, the fobs also needed to be reprogrammed. Right now we just have an estimate of $19,000. That would be on the low end,” elections department spokesperson Jennifer Liewer said in a text.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said in an email that the suspect’s name is Walter Ringfield.
The Secretary of State’s Office also issued a statement on the incident on Monday.
“The recent incident at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center should reassure the public about the effectiveness of the security measures in place,” the SOS’ statement said. “ This quick response will prevent any potential impact on the upcoming elections. The Secretary of State’s office will collaborate with law enforcement to address and investigate this incident to ensure accountability and swift justice,” it said.
