LACONIA, N.H. (NEWSnet/AP) — A political consultant who sent artificial intelligence-generated calls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice made his first court appearance Wednesday in New Hampshire.

Steven Kramer is charged with voter suppression and impersonating a candidate.

Kramer, who also faces a proposed $6 million fine from Federal Communications Commission, has admitted he orchestrated a message that was sent to thousands of voters two days before the Jan. 23 primary.

The message played an AI-generated voice similar to the president’s that used his phrase “What a bunch of malarkey” and falsely suggested voting in the primary would preclude voters from casting ballots in November.

In May, Kramer was charged with 13 felonies alleging he violated a New Hampshire law against attempting to deter someone from voting, using misleading information. 

At Kramer’s arraignment, Assistant Attorney General Brendan O’Donnell successfully argued Kramer should be ordered to post $10,000 cash bail. He said the amount is necessary to ensure Kramer returns to court.

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