A Vancouver man has been ordered to spend two years in federal prison for sending approximately 100 letters containing white powder and threatening notes to media personalities and members of Congress.
Christopher Lee Carlson, 41, was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Portland after pleading guilty to charges of conveying false information and perpetrating a hoax containing a purported biological toxin.
The threatening letters expressed frustrations with politicians, corporations and lobbyists, and implied that some of the white powder was anthrax, a deadly substance.
About 24 letters were received and opened before the others were seized by law enforcement. The white powder was found to be celery salt and cornstarch. However, the threat resulted in offices being evacuated, hazardous materials responses and interrupted workdays, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Portland.
Carlson was ordered to pay $36,311 in restitution for expenses incurred due to the disruptions. He was also ordered to be on three years of supervised release after prison, and to comply with mental health treatment and medication requirements.
