An Alabama man who sent threatening email to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and the County Sheriff last August, because he had been angry about an investigation into Donald Trump’s former presidency, was sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison.
Arthur Ray Hanson II of Huntsville made the calls just a few days before Trump, 18 others, and Willis were indicted for their attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Federal prosecutors claim Hanson left voicemails that contained profanity and insults, racial, and other offensive words, for Willis and Fulton County sheriff Pat Labat.
J.P. Boulee stated that Hanson’s behavior was “appalling” and that the fear of victims was “real and legit”. Hanson was sentenced to a year-and-nine months in prison followed by three years supervision. Hanson was also ordered to pay $7500 as fines.
He apologized for making the calls. “That’s not who I am. ”
Willis stated that she was afraid for her life, as well as the lives of her daughters and her father.
Labat stated in a court statement that the threats exposed him, his family and friends to the “ugly side” of work.
Tyler Wolas informed the judge that Hanson is a habitual alcoholic. Wolas said Hanson had grand mal seizures, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder following his arrest. Wolas stated Hanson attended Alcoholics Anonymous regularly and completed a course in anger management.
Three Hanson family members, including Hanson’s 19-year-old son, testified to the judge about Hanson as a generous and good person. They said the phone calls did not represent the Hansons that they knew.
Hanson claimed he was drunk and did not remember leaving messages. Labat and Willis Labat were not to be feared.
He was a frequent commenter on social media, but he stopped drinking and stopped using it.
Indictment for Fulton County was to be published on August 14, 2023. The indictment was expected to be released on August 14, 2023.
In a sentencing memorandum, the court received the transcripts of Hanson’s voicemails to the prosecutor and sheriff on the Fulton County Government Customer Service Line.
Hanson told Willis to be careful when she accuses Trump of the Fourth Indictment.
Hanson sent Labat a message warning him not to take a photo of Trump.
Hanson’s attorneys asked that he instead be sentenced to probation, community service or home confinement. Hanson’s lawyers pointed out that Hanson had a 19-year old son who lived with him and his mother was terminally ill.
Bret HOBSON was the prosecutor that called Hanson’s crimes, “incredibly serious”, and said they caused real harm to his victims and their families.
Boulee stated that Hanson’s behavior was unacceptable.
Boulee said: “To make matters worse, you attacked them not only for their work, but also due to their color.” Boulee claimed that the racist remarks was “an attempt to make them feel inferior and less valued.”
Willis said after the hearing that she had forgiven Hanson. She said it was important that the judge mentioned the racist nature of the threats so that Black people know they can come into a courtroom and feel protected.
