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Anthrax scare increase to 9 cases; FBI investigating

By Bettina Boateng
Published: January 05, 2010

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As of Monday afternoon, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Birmingham Division along with other law enforcement agencies are working to track down the person or person who mailed letters containing white powdery substances to Alabama Lawmakers across the state.
According to the FBI, five Alabama lawmakers were sent envelopes containing a white sugary substance that tested negative for the deadly chemical Anthrax.
Though the powder found in all of the letters were tested and deemed safe, the letters are being considered a serious threat.

From the first letter , which popped up Sunday at the Vance Federal building in downtown Birmingham to the latest letter found in Mobile on Monday afternoon; so far investigators say they have detailed information about the threats that will likely lead to an arrest. In a media conference held Monday in Birmingham, FBI Special Agent in Charge Charles E. Regan did not disclose any information about the subject matter of the letters but did confirm that the letters were consider a threat.

Since Monday afternoon, a total of nine letters sent to Alabama lawmakers have been found.
Senator Richard Shelby received the most threats, three letters were sent to his Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile offices.
Then, Mobile Congressman Jo Bonner received two letter at his Mobile and Foley offices.
East Alabama Representative Mike Rogers also received two letters both at his Anniston office.
US Senator Jeff Sessions and Representative Bobby Bright each got one letter at their Montgomery offices.
Authorities say all nine letters were written by hand and had Alabama postmarks.

The letters are being classified as domestic style threats and officials believe that they came from one source.

The FBI warns that no matter the motive sending threatening letters are considered a felony and once an arrest is made they will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.