Green Party congressional candidate David Redkey was arrested in Phoenix after authorities accused him of sending gun-related threats to a Superior Court judge and an attorney’s office.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said its Threat Management Unit contacted Redkey Sept. 19, and he admitted sending the communications. He faces charges including computer tampering, threatening or intimidating and using electronic communication to intimidate, threaten or harass.
At Redkey’s initial appearance, Deputy County Attorney Stephen Garcia said the messages contained direct threats and references to guns. Garcia argued the alleged threats endangered the judge, the attorney, their children and others in public service. Authorities had not recovered the referenced gun.
A judge set Redkey’s bond at $150,000. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office asked that arrest documents be sealed to protect victim information. KJZZ reported Redkey told the court he did not know the alleged victims. The judge permitted campaign-related internet use but barred him from mentioning the victims.
Redkey is the Green Party nominee in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, covering most of Phoenix and part of Glendale. He entered the July primary as a write-in candidate and qualified for the general election with five votes, according to KTAR.
The Arizona Green Party has distanced itself from Redkey. The party told FOX 10 Phoenix it changed his status from “not endorsed” to “actively opposed” after what it described as abusive and belligerent behavior toward state committee members.
Redkey is running in the district represented by Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari. His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24. His campaign had not provided a public response as of the latest reports.
The charges remain allegations, and Redkey is presumed innocent unless convicted.
