Man charged in mailing of ricin element to Trump

SALT LAKE CITY — A Navy veteran in Utah was charged Friday with threatening to use a biological toxin as a weapon by sending letters to President Donald Trump and other leaders containing ground castor beans, the substance from which the poison ricin is derived.

William Clyde Allen III, 39, told investigators he wanted the letters to “send a message,” though he did not elaborate, FBI investigators said in documents filed in U.S. District Court of Utah. Authorities found Allen’s return address on at least two of the envelopes, according to the complaint.

The envelopes that tested positive for ricin also had a note that said “Jack and the Missile Bean Stock Powder,” the documents said.

U.S. Attorney for Utah John Huber declined to comment on Allen’s mental state.

“When you’re dealing with suspected ricin, this is nothing to trifle with,” Huber said.

During a court hearing Friday, Allen cried as he told a judge that his wife suffers from a spinal condition and he helps her put on her shoes in the morning. He did not enter a plea.

Allen could face up to life in prison if convicted on the biological toxin charge, one of five counts in the complaint. He’s also charged with four counts of making threats through the mail, which carry 10-year sentences.

The envelopes were mailed to the president, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the Navy’s top officer, Adm. John Richardson, authorities said.

They were intercepted, and no one was hurt.