Illinois Man Charged for Mailing Threatening Letters to Congress
Overview of Charges
Matthew Unglesbee has been charged in connection with four letters that contained a white granular substance, which he mailed to several members of Congress. The envelopes, all revealing his name and home address, have raised serious concerns regarding safety and security in government communications.
The Contents of the Letters
Among the letters sent were messages that included unsettling notes. One letter featured the phrase “HA HA,” while another stated, “HAH enjoy the gift,” referring to the granular substance enclosed within. The FBI later reported that the substance was claimed by Unglesbee to be salt, which he suggested might resemble anthrax.
Legal Proceedings
Facing two significant charges, namely false information and hoaxes, as well as mailing threatening communications, Unglesbee is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Monday afternoon. His actions follow a concerning trend of similar events involving suspicious mailings directed at government officials.
Background on Investigation
The investigation began after an anonymous tip was received by the FBI on October 16. The source reported overhearing Unglesbee discussing plans to send suspicious substances to Congress members. The FBI acted promptly, and three days later, the letters were delivered to the congressional offices.
Admission of Guilt
In a recent interview with FBI agents, Unglesbee confessed to mailing the letters, indicating his awareness that they would likely be perceived as perilous. Despite his acknowledgment, he distanced himself from prior suspicious mailings.
Evidence Collected
A search of Unglesbee’s residence yielded an additional unmailed envelope addressed to another member of Congress, further implicating him in the alleged offenses.
