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 Security of the Mail Mail Facilities Updates |
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USPSNewsbreak |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 5, 2001 1 p.m. Postal Service employee arrested on charges related to anthrax hoax
Postal inspectors, in cooperation with the FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office and Stafford County (VA) Sheriff's Office have arrested a USPS employee, Sharon Ann Watson of Stafford, VA, on charges related to an anthrax hoax at the Falmouth, VA, Post Office where she worked. She was charged with knowingly mailing threatening communications and unlawful delay or destruction of mail, which carry penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine. A suspicious white powder, later determined to be baby powder, was discovered leaking from a bulk mail item Oct. 25 at the facility. USPS temporarily closed the facility as a precaution, resulting in a significant delay in mail delivery. A total of 353 postal facilities have been evacuated for varying amounts of time as a result of 8,674 hoaxes, threats and suspicious mailing incidents, which average 578 daily. Postal inspectors as of Friday have arrested 20 individuals for anthrax-related hoaxes and threats and are continuing to investigate 18 additional incidents. The reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone mailing anthrax has resulted in 165 investigative leads to America's Most Wanted line, 1-800-CRIME-TV (1-800-274-6388). ### |