Election Computers, Passkey Stolen By Volunteer In Palm Beach County: Reports

PALM BEACH, FL — An election volunteer in Palm Beach County was arrested Saturday after authorities said he stole an encrypted access key from a voter registration terminal, reports said.

John Panicci, 59, of Lake Worth, was charged with taking damaged computer equipment, supplies/electronic devices, according to NBC Miami. The theft happened on March 19 during a training session for volunteers set to help with a March 24 special election.

Investigators said the device Panicci is accused of taking was programmed only for the training databases, CBS 12 reported, but officials worried it could be used on a voter registration kiosk for malicious purposes.

At Panicci's home, detectives found the stolen items, along with electronic and digital storage devices, WPTV reported.

He was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail and is being held on a $6,000 bond.

The Independent reported that Panicci is an Army veteran who posted on his Facebook page that he opposed some of the actions of the Trump administration, including the war in Iran and the president's reluctance to release the Epstein files.