Man Faces Additional Charges in Maricopa Tabulator Key Theft Scandal

Walter Ringfield Jr., a 27-year-old former temporary elections worker, faces multiple charges following a string of thefts spanning the past year. Ringfield pleaded not guilty to a count of computer tampering in Maricopa County Superior Court on Tuesday, stemming from the alleged theft of an electronic tabulator key on June 20. This incident marks only one of several legal troubles for Ringfield.

In addition to the computer tampering charge, Ringfield has been indicted for theft, burglary, and criminal trespass in unrelated cases. His arrest on June 21 came after surveillance footage purportedly showed him pocketing the tabulator key. A search of his home led to the key’s recovery.

Days before this incident, Ringfield was caught on surveillance stealing challenge coins and coasters from an Arizona state senator’s office on June 15. These items were also found at his residence. Despite these thefts sparking conspiracy theories among election skeptics, Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner stated there is no evidence of political motivation or external involvement.

Ringfield’s troubles don’t end there. A Phoenix Police research analyst linked him to a May 20 theft of over $9,500 in vintage jewelry from the Phoenix Art Museum. Surveillance images showed him at the museum during a private event, and further investigation revealed his vehicle matched the one used in the jewelry theft. His home also contained shoes matching those worn by the suspect.

Currently unemployed and without assets, Ringfield was already in a diversion program for a felony theft at a Fry’s grocery store in September 2023. Violating this agreement with the recent allegations, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has requested the resumption of prosecution for the grocery store theft.

On social media, Ringfield has maintained a controversial presence, sharing posts from right-wing news sources and far-right personalities on Truth Social, a platform owned by Donald Trump. His account, noted for its chaotic and often obscure posts over the past two years, has been removed. Among his remarks on the platform, Ringfield recently stated, “I will die for my country and state.” His case continues to unfold with no clear end in sight.