Man Caught in Phoenix Mailbox Blaze That Ruined Early Ballots

Phoenix police have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly setting fire to a United States Postal Service mailbox, causing significant damage to several ballots. This incident occurred early Thursday morning, just ahead of the upcoming November election.

The suspect, identified as Dieter Klofkorn, was apprehended on an unrelated warrant. During police interrogation, Klofkorn confessed to igniting the blaze in the mailbox located at the Osborn Post Office near 7th Avenue and Indian School Road. He claimed his motive was not politically driven but rather a desire to be arrested and taken to jail.

Klofkorn has a documented history of homelessness, as reported by local news sources. His criminal record spans multiple convictions in Maricopa County Superior Court and municipal courts in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Charges include indecent exposure, theft, and trespassing. Notably, Klofkorn has repeatedly violated probation terms, which could also lead to jail time.

Adrian Fontes, Secretary of State, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “Any attack that strikes at our democratic process carries criminal consequences. Ballot abuse is a felony in Arizona, and mailbox vandalism is a federal crime.”

Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County Recorder, confirmed that his office is awaiting further information from law enforcement regarding the status of the ballots that were in the mailbox during the fire. He urged voters who used that mailbox in the last 36 hours to verify their ballot status online.

“Successful delivery is usually reflected on the website within 72 hours,” Richer noted. He reminded voters that October 25 is the final day to request a replacement ballot, directing those affected to the official website for more information.

Any undamaged ballots retrieved from the mailbox will be processed as normal. Elections officials plan to reach out to voters if they can identify those associated with damaged ballots.

Fontes commended the coordinated response from election officials, law enforcement, and the postal service in recovering many undamaged ballots. He reassured the community that efforts are in place to secure ballot drop boxes throughout Arizona against physical attacks.