New Boston, Texas Woman Arrested for Mailing Threatening Communications

TEXARKANA, TX—A 35-year-old New Boston, Texas woman has been arrested for a federal violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales and FBI Special Agent in Charge Diego Rodriguez.

Shannon Richardson, also known as Shannon Guess and Shannon Rogers, was arrested today pursuant to a criminal complaint issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven. The complaint charges Richardson with mailing a threatening communication to the president of the United States.

According to the arrest affidavit, on May 20, 2013, Richardson is alleged to have actually mailed three letters containing the toxin ricin. The letters were sent to President Barack Obama and Mark Glaze in Washington, D.C. and to Mayor Michael Bloomberg in New York City. Richardson was arrested today in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and appeared before Judge Craven this afternoon in Texarkana, Texas, for an initial appearance.

If convicted, Richardson faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Secret Service. Also providing assistance to the investigation are the New Boston, Texas Police Department; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Shreveport, Louisiana Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys D. Ryan Locker, Frank Coan, and Brit Featherston.

It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.