Illinois man charged with mailing salt-filled threats to Congress

Federal prosecutors in Illinois have charged a local resident with sending four letters containing a white granular substance to members of Congress. All four envelopes bore the sender's name and home address.

Matthew Unglesbee faces two charges: false information and hoaxes, and mailing threatening communications. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday afternoon. The letters contained notes reading "HA HA" and "HAH enjoy the gift."

During a Sunday interview with FBI personnel, Unglesbee admitted to mailing the four letters after hearing about other suspicious mailings earlier in the month. He told agents that the white granular substance was salt. He stated that the salt "kind of looks like" anthrax, according to authorities.

Unglesbee also admitted he knew people would perceive the letters as dangerous. He denied any involvement with prior mailings that the FBI is separately investigating. Those other investigations cover suspicious substances sent to congressional and elections officials in recent weeks.

A search of Unglesbee's residence revealed a fifth empty envelope. The envelope was addressed to a member of Congress but had not been mailed. The case began following an anonymous online tip. A tipster told the FBI on October 16 that they overheard Unglesbee discussing mailing a suspicious substance to Congress members.

The FBI responded to the tip when the letters arrived at the offices of members of Congress three days later. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., confirmed she was aware of the suspect's custody. She stated that the most recent suspicious letter was sent to her district office in Skokie.

Schakowsky said she received a second suspicious letter on October 21. She thanked law enforcement and stated that she will not let threats stop her from serving the people of the 9th District.