- Few hours ago: A Colorado man who admitted to threatening election workers was sentenced.♦
On May 29, 2025, Teak Ty Brockbank, a 45-year-old resident of Cortez, Colorado, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for issuing death threats against election officials and government employees. The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge S. Kato Crews, also includes three years of supervised release following incarceration .
Brockbank pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of transmitting interstate threats. Between September 2021 and August 2022, he made multiple violent threats targeting public officials, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, former Arizona Secretary of State and current Governor Katie Hobbs, federal law enforcement agents, and members of the Colorado judiciary .
Investigations revealed that Brockbank’s threats were disseminated through online platforms such as Gab and Rumble, often referencing conspiracy theories like QAnon. He admitted that his actions were fueled by exposure to far-right extremist content, social isolation, and heavy alcohol consumption. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of his actions, Brockbank claimed he intended his posts to “wake people up,” not to act as a vigilante .
Judge Crews emphasized the importance of upholding democratic processes and condemned the use of violence or threats to influence political discourse. He stated that resolving differences should occur through democratic means, not through intimidation or violence .
This case is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force, established in 2021 to address the rising number of threats against election workers and officials. Brockbank’s conviction marks one of over a dozen resulting from this crackdown, with prior sentences reaching up to 3.5 years .
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, one of Brockbank’s targets, expressed gratitude for the legal system’s role in protecting public servants. She highlighted the necessity of safeguarding election officials to ensure the integrity of democratic institutions .
Brockbank was also ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victim Fund. While he faced a potential maximum sentence of five years, the court considered various factors, including his guilty plea and personal circumstances, in determining the final sentence .
This sentencing underscores the federal government’s commitment to protecting election officials and maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process amid increasing threats and political polarization.