(NewsNation) — A Massachusetts man who sent a bomb threat to an election official in Arizona has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

James W. Clark, 40, sent a message in February 2021 through the Arizona Secretary of State’s website, addressing an election official by her first name and warning her she needed to resign by Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. or an explosive device in her personal space would be detonated.

After sending the messages, court documents show Clark searched for the official’s full name with the phrases “address” and “how to kill.” He later searched for information about the Boston Marathon bombing.

In response to the message, law enforcement swept the building for bombs and evacuated the floor where the governor’s office was located in the building. Authorities also checked the official’s home and car for bombs.

“James W. Clark sent a bomb threat to an Arizona election official. As a result, law enforcement searched the office building where the official worked, as well as the official’s home and car, for an explosive device,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Public servants who ensure our free and fair elections must be able to do their jobs without fear. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who target election officials with threats of violence.”

Clark pleaded guilty to making a threatening interstate communication in August 2023.