Mainstreet Daily News
Officials from the Election Supervisor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office are investigating an intimidating email sent to a number of voters in Alachua County.
The email makes this ominous statement:
“We are in possession of all your information (email, address, telephone… everything). You are currently registered as a Democrat and we know this because we have gained access into the entire voting infrastructure. You will vote for Trump on Election Day or we will come after you. Change your party affiliation to Republican to let us know you received our message and will comply. We will know which candidate you voted for. I would take this seriously if I were you.”
The ACSO released the following statement after receiving notice of the email:
“We here at the Sheriff’s Office and the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections are aware of an email that is circulating, purported to be from the Proud Boys. In the email, the sender claims to have personal information and directs the receiver how to vote or there will be consequences.
The email appears to be a scam and we will be initiating an investigation into the source of the email along with assistance from our partners on the federal level.”
Kim Barton, the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections, released the following statement:
“The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections is aware of multiple instances of voter intimidation via email.
We are in contact with and working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal level, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security. The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections has been notified as well.
If any individual engages in any form of voter intimidation, our office will refer the case to state and federal law enforcement.
We are committed to providing a safe and secure voting process for all voters.
For more information, contact the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections at 352-374-5252.”
The email shows the sender’s address as “info@officialproudboys.com”. But officials have not pointed to any evidence that it came from the Proud Boys group.
Proud Boy Chairman Henry “Enrique” Tarrio Jr. has denied his organization sent the email and condemned the person or group that sent it.
Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe released the name of an attorney who voters can contact if they receive this email:
“Jay Maggio is running point locally for the voter intimidation email. He is an attorney and on the front lines making sure every eligible person is able to vote and every vote counts.”
“There is some legit near – Klan-level intimidation going on,” Maggio posted on his Facebook page. “If you get an intimidation message—in any form—contact me 352/642-6204.”