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Arizona man arrested after roughly 35 violent emails sent to appeals court
Investigators say emails sent to the Arizona Court of Appeals’ clerk in Tucson referenced pipe bombs, guns and other violence. Authorities traced the messages to 34-year-old Elias Villa, who was arrested and faces several charges.
An investigation into roughly 35 threatening emails sent to the Arizona Court of Appeals’ clerk in Tucson led to the arrest of 34-year-old Elias Villa, Arizona Department of Public Safety detectives said.
The department’s Threat Mitigation Unit began investigating Oct. 19. Investigators traced the emails to Villa, who was taken into custody near 26th Drive and Beryl, authorities said.
The messages referenced building pipe bombs, using guns and other acts of violence. Villa acknowledged sending emails to the court but said he did not intend to threaten anyone, according to police.
He faces assault, computer-tampering, harassment and related charges. The available information did not specify the number of counts or provide further details about the case.