Arthur Ray Hanson II, from Alabama, was sentenced to nearly two years in prison for leaving threatening messages aimed at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Sheriff Pat Labat, motivated by his anger over the investigation into former President Donald Trump. The threatening voicemails, which included profanities and racial slurs, were made just before the indictment of Trump and others for efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee condemned Hanson’s behavior as “appalling” and emphasized the genuine fear experienced by the victims, leading to a sentence of 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Hanson was also fined $7,500.
During the sentencing hearing, held on a Tuesday, Hanson expressed remorse, stating he was “truly sorry” for his actions. His emotional apology lasted nearly ten minutes, wherein he emphasized that the threatening statements did not reflect his true character. Willis shared her experience during the incident, revealing her fears for her safety and that of her family, describing herself not just as a prosecutor but also a scared mother. Labat discussed the personal toll the threats had on him, illustrating how the threats exposed his family’s vulnerability due to the nature of his work.
Defense attorney Tyler Wolas cited Hanson’s history of alcohol abuse and recent bipolar disorder diagnosis as contributing factors to his actions. He argued that Hanson should receive a lighter sentence, noting that he had completed an anger management course and was attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly. Friends and family characterized Hanson as a caring individual whose actions during the incident did not reflect his true self. Hanson claimed he had been drinking at the time and did not remember making the calls, expressing revulsion upon hearing the messages.
The urgency of Hanson’s threats became particularly relevant in the context of the indictment of Trump, which was the fourth criminal case against the former president within a short timeframe. Before the indictment was made public on August 14, 2023, speculation surrounded whether Trump would undergo a mug shot, and Sheriff Labat indicated adherence to standard procedures regardless of Trump’s status. On August 6, 2023, just before these events, Hanson left voicemails for both Willis and Labat, issuing threats that indicated he was prepared to exact repercussions for the indictment and potential mug shot of Trump.
Hanson’s legal team sought probation or community service instead of prison time, citing his family circumstances, including the need to care for his critically ill mother and his son. However, prosecutor Bret Hobson asserted that Hanson’s actions bore serious consequences, stressing the need for accountability in threatening public officials. The sentence ultimately delivered was on the lower end of federal sentencing guidelines, with Judge Boulee acknowledging the recommendation from the prosecution but reiterating the unacceptability of Hanson’s conduct.
Following the sentencing, Willis publicly forgave Hanson, recognizing the importance of the court’s role in validating the experiences of those who face threats based on their race. As she continues her re-election campaign, Willis affirmed her commitment to prosecuting every case in her office, regardless of Trump’s potential victory in the upcoming presidential election, reinforcing her dedication to uphold justice amid the complexities of politically charged cases.