Man charged after toxic letters sent to Trump, other leaders

Salt Lake City: A Navy veteran was charged with threatening to use a biological toxin as a weapon by sending letters to President Donald Trump and other leaders containing ground castor beans, the substance from which the poison ricin is derived.
William Clyde Allen III, 39, told investigators he wanted the letters to “send a message,” though he did not elaborate, FBI investigators said in documents filed in U.S. District Court of Utah.
Authorities zeroed in on Allen after finding his return address on the envelopes, according to the complaint.
The envelopes that tested positive for ricin also had a note that said “Jack and the Missile Bean Stock Powder,” the documents said.
U.S. Attorney for Utah John Huber declined to comment on Allen’s mental state, but said the case is “no laughing matter.”
During a court hearing on Friday, Allen cried as he told a judge that his wife suffers from a spinal condition and he helps her put on her shoes in the morning.
He did not enter a plea, and his attorney, Lynn Donaldson, did not comment.
He’s also charged with four counts of making threats through the mail, which carry 10-year sentences. The envelopes were mailed to the president, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the Navy’s top officer, Adm. John Richardson, authorities said.
The FBI said all of the letters tested positive for ricin. Allen told investigators he also sent similar letters to Queen Elizabeth II, Russian President Vladimir Putin and the secretary of the Air Force, though it’s not clear whether those envelopes had been found.
The case is expected to go before a grand jury and Allen could face additional charges at a hearing Oct. 18. Allen was arrested on Wednesday at his house in the small city of Logan, north of Salt Lake City. (AP)