JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — A man whose home and business were searched as part of an investigation into poisoned letters sent to President Barack Obama and others has been arrested in the case, according to the FBI.
Everett Dutschke, 41, was arrested after midnight today at his home by FBI special agents in connection with the letters, FBI spokeswoman Deborah Madden said. The letters, which tests showed were tainted with ricin, were sent last week to Obama, Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi and earlier to an 80-year-old Mississippi judge, Sadie Holland.
Madden said FBI special agents arrested Dutschke without incident. She said additional questions should be directed to the U.S. attorney’s office. The office in Oxford did not immediately respond to messages Saturday.
Dutschke’s attorney, Lori Nail Basham, said Saturday in a text message that “the authorities have confirmed Mr. Dutschke’s arrest. We have no comment at this time.” Basham also said via text that she didn’t know what the charges against Dutschke were.
Basham said earlier this week that Dutschke was “cooperating fully” with investigators. Dutschke has insisted he had nothing to do with the letters.
Ryan Taylor, a spokesman for Wicker, said today that “because the investigation is still ongoing, we’re not able to comment.”
