An Alabama man, Arthur Ray Hanson II, was sentenced to nearly two years in prison for leaving threatening phone messages for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Sheriff Pat Labat. The incident occurred just over a week before former President Donald Trump and 18 others were indicted in Fulton County in August 2023 over efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Hanson pleaded guilty to leaving threatening voicemails laced with profanity and racial slurs for Willis and Labat. U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee in Atlanta described Hanson's behavior as 'appalling' and sentenced him to a year and nine months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Hanson was also ordered to pay a fine of $7,500.
During the hearing, Hanson tearfully apologized to Willis and Labat, expressing remorse for his actions. He attributed his behavior to alcohol abuse, grand mal seizures, and bipolar disorder. Hanson's defense attorney highlighted his client's completion of an anger management course and regular attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Friends and family members testified to Hanson's character, describing him as a good and generous person. Hanson admitted to being caught up in a 'social media frenzy' and acknowledged the need to distance himself from such platforms.
Prosecutors presented transcripts of the threatening messages Hanson left for Willis and Labat, warning of potential harm if Trump was indicted. Prosecutor Bret Hobson emphasized the seriousness of Hanson's crime and the harm caused to the victims and their families. The judge, while considering Hanson's personal circumstances, underscored the unacceptability of his behavior, particularly the racial slurs used in the messages.
Willis, who forgave Hanson after the hearing, emphasized the importance of addressing the racist nature of the threats. She affirmed her commitment to continuing the prosecution of cases in her office, including the one against Trump, which is currently on hold pending a pretrial appeal.
The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of threatening public officials and the need to uphold the rule of law in a respectful and lawful manner.
