A Phoenix man is behind bars after authorities say he went on X and threatened to kill Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, even tossing in a request for “full presidential immunity” while making the threat. Detectives with the sheriff’s office say they moved quickly, taking him into custody the same day.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as 30-year-old Jose Angel Valadez and said he posted the messages on X on Wednesday. Deputies booked Valadez that day on misdemeanor counts of threatening and intimidating and of using an electronic device to threaten, according to Arizona's Family.
Sheriff's office response
Sgt. Calbert Gillett, listed as a public information officer in the county directory, said the agency "will not tolerate threats or violence against elected officials." He added that the office enforces the rule of law and will pursue swift consequences against anyone who attempts to intimidate deputies and elected leaders, per Maricopa County.
What the law says
Under Arizona law, threatening or intimidating is addressed by ARS 13-1202 and is typically treated as a class 1 misdemeanor, though penalties can be elevated in certain circumstances. The statute covers threats made by word or conduct and allows harsher charges where threats are tied to gang activity or retaliation, according to the Arizona Revised Statutes.
What's next
It was not immediately clear when Valadez would appear in court or whether prosecutors will seek additional charges. The sheriff's office has not released a motive, and spokespeople did not provide further comment beyond their statement to local media.
