Arizona sheriff: Knoxville man threatened to kill him over Obama investigation

Arizona sheriff: Knoxville man threatened to kill him over Obama investigation

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - A Knoxville man is accused of threatening an Arizona sheriff who is investigating claims President Barack Obama wasn't born in the U.S.

Adam Eugene Cox, 33, was arrested Friday by Knox County sheriff's officers, according to a press release from the Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff's Office.

The officers seized a computer and other evidence from Cox's home.

Cox was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant. However, Sheriff Joe Arpaio says Cox is the "prime suspect in an Internet death threat" against him.

The threat, which was sent in October 2011, mentions the sheriff and his family.

The press release says the postings read in part, "I plan to kill Arpaio first. He will be filled with a thousand bullet holes before the year is out. I promise you this. He won't f*** with Obama. He will be buried 10 feet under and his whole family will be murdered along with him."

The release also says, "The suspect's mother confirms her son is a fanatical supporter of Obama."

Local authorities say Cox has a history of assault.