Dieter Klofkorn, who was arrested for setting fire to a United States Postal Service mailbox in Phoenix and damaging several ballots ahead of the November election, was on probation for multiple prior offenses, local authorities reported.
The 35-year-old Klofkorn, a self-described MAGA supporter, has a lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for indecent exposure, theft, and trespassing. Despite being on probation, he admitted during police questioning that he set the mailbox ablaze, but insisted that his actions were not politically motivated.
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes condemned the incident, emphasizing the severe criminal repercussions of any attack on the electoral process.
“Any attack that strikes at our democratic process carries criminal consequences,” he stated. “Ballot abuse is a felony in Arizona, and mailbox vandalism is a federal crime.”
Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer is currently investigating the condition of the ballots that were in the mailbox at the time of the fire. He urged voters who used that mailbox in the last 36 hours to verify their ballot status online. Undamaged ballots will be processed as normal, while elections officials will reach out to those affected by any damage.
Fontes commended the swift response from law enforcement and election officials, noting that security measures for ballot drop boxes statewide have been enhanced to prevent future incidents.
