A temporary election worker has been charged with theft in connection to two security-related incidents at the Arizona Senate Building and the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center.
Walter Alphonso Jamel Ringfield Jr., 27, of Phoenix, is facing multiple charges, including theft, criminal damage, trespassing, and burglary.
Authorities are investigating whether the crimes were politically motivated, as Ringfield has been seen in photos with several Democratic politicians and has participated in Democratic primaries in the past.
Screenshots of Ringfield posing with Democratic figures such as U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, and others. In one post, Ringfield described the politicians as “some of my friends.”
Ringfield was arrested outside his home on June 21. Security footage showed him pocketing a security fob at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center the day before. Detectives found the security fob at his home during a search.
Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates revealed that Ringfield was in a felony diversion program for a previous theft charge. Despite this, he was hired as a temporary election worker. Court records show Ringfield has had multiple criminal filings, including a previous arrest for disorderly conduct and fighting.
The RNC and Arizona GOP have sent attorneys and observers to Maricopa County to ensure election integrity. RNC Election Integrity communications director Claire Zunk questioned whether the thefts were part of a broader pattern of election interference by Democrats.
Photos from Ringfield’s social media show him smiling with Democratic politicians, attending events, and supporting causes like Black Lives Matter. Voting data showed Ringfield voted in the Democratic primaries in 2022 and 2020 and made small donations to ActBlue, a fundraising platform for Democratic campaigns.
This incident raises serious concerns about election security in Arizona. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the full extent of Ringfield’s activities and motivations.
Ringfield is seen at the end next to a cheerful lineup of Woods, Glover, then-state Rep. Jevin Hodge, Giuliano, and Berdetta Hodge.
Ringfield wrote that it was his second time meeting Woods, the first time being the night when he became mayor-elect, and the caption described Woods as “the first Black mayor of tempe.” The caption praised Glover as “Tempe’s first black police chief.” Ringfield said he was “honored to be interning” for Jevin Hodge next semester, adding: “Happy birthday to my friend.”
Reached for comment on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Woods said the mayor does not know Ringfield personally and the photos were taken at past meet and greet events.
The mayor’s spokesperson explained that “it happens all the time” when people will walk up to the mayor or an official and ask for a photo, adding that Woods “gets his picture taken with thousands of people a year and that he does not know or have a relationship with this person.”
For Giuliano, the caption said he is “6-0 in political campaigns” and “has met every president except 1 since he has been in the political realm.”
“He’s so awesome,” Ringfield wrote. “It was a blessing to be in the presence of good friends.”
On March 10, 2020, Ringfield shared a photo with his thumb up smiling next to Wood at another event, according to another screenshot.
“With a brief moment I learned a lot from Tempe’s first black mayor,” Ringfield wrote, congratulating Woods. “I’m looking for a role model.”
Other screenshots of his social media activity showed Ringfield supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and asking followers whether they were pro-choice or pro-life on abortion.
On TRUTH Social, former President Trump’s social media platform, Ringfield appears to have posted from a different handle, @imjustheresoiwontbefined.”
A screenshot of his cover photo shows Ringfield again smiling with a group of people, including Democrat Jevin Hodge.
Voting data showed Ringfield voted in the Democratic primaries in 2022 and 2020 in Arizona.
He made two donations of just $5 each to ActBlue, the leading fundraising platform for Democratic campaigns and groups nationwide, in 2022, according to data from the Federal Election Commission.