The Justice Department has significantly intensified its criminal investigation into the Alaska U.S. Senate race in recent days, with prosecutors issuing more than 100 subpoenas and at least twenty letters identifying individuals as targets of the probe, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. This escalation follows reports detailing alleged efforts by Democrats and individuals associated with the campaign of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola to recruit a third candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan, to the ballot. The investigation began to accelerate last week after The New York Times reported on these alleged recruitment efforts.

These target letters, sent to Democrats believed to have been involved in the recruitment campaign, represent an unusual step so early in an investigation. Among those reportedly receiving a letter is Marc Elias, an attorney known for his extensive involvement in election litigation on behalf of Democrats, who has been a frequent target of Republican criticism. The probe is reportedly examining potential conspiracy and donor fraud offenses.

Marc Elias stated that he was unsurprised by the Justice Department's actions, asserting that the administration has repeatedly used the DOJ against political opponents, despite what he claims is a lack of evidence of wrongdoing. He characterized the investigation as a "sham" and declared that he and his law firm would not be intimidated.

A target letter from the Justice Department serves to inform an individual that they are the subject of a federal grand jury investigation. However, such a letter does not guarantee that the recipient will ultimately face federal charges. The grand jury empaneled in Alaska is reportedly looking into offenses related to conspiracy and donor fraud.

Sources indicated that the investigation's focus is on the alleged attempt to influence the election outcome by introducing a third candidate, a retired teacher also named Daniel J. Sullivan, who shares a name with incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan. The recruitment effort, as detailed in earlier reports, aimed to potentially draw votes away from the incumbent.

While a DOJ spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment, the aggressive pace of the investigation, including the high volume of subpoenas and target letters, signals a significant commitment from prosecutors. The involvement of prominent election attorney Marc Elias also suggests the probe could have broader implications for legal strategies employed in election campaigns.

This development places a spotlight on campaign tactics and the legal boundaries surrounding them. The Justice Department's actions underscore the seriousness with which alleged interference in electoral processes is being viewed.

Further details regarding the specific nature of the alleged conspiracy and donor fraud, as well as the extent of knowledge and involvement by various parties, remain under investigation. The outcome of the grand jury proceedings will determine whether any charges are ultimately brought.