EUGENE, Ore. – A federal grand jury in Eugene has indicted Elizabeth Ballesteros West, a 56-year-old woman from Cottage Grove, Oregon, on charges of transmitting an interstate threat, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
The indictment follows an investigation that began in September 2023 when the FBI received an anonymous tip about West threatening coworkers on Facebook. In November 2023, the FBI discovered West’s account on X, a social media platform, where she allegedly posted and shared content with violent messages aimed at Black and Jewish people and immigrants. This content included self-produced photos of firearms, such as handguns, a shotgun, and an AR-style assault rifle.
On January 3, 2023, West confessed to the FBI about her online activities involving hateful and violent rhetoric. She also admitted to owning multiple shotguns and AR-15 assault rifles at her residence in Cottage Grove.
Subsequently, on January 9, 2023, the FBI executed search warrants on West’s person, vehicle, and home. They seized 12 handguns, 16 rifles, a large quantity of ammunition and firearm accessories, and a journal with writings and drawings echoing her online hate and violence.
West was arrested on January 12, 2023, at her workplace in Eugene and made her first federal court appearance on Thursday. She has been ordered detained pending further proceedings.