Woman Who Allegedly Mailed Threatening Letters to U.S. Supreme Court and Throughout New Jersey Arrested on Federal Charge

NEWARK, NJ—An Irvington, New Jersey woman was arrested at her home this morning by members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) for allegedly mailing letters threatening bodily harm to the U.S. Supreme Court and recipients throughout New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Karen Waller, 50, is charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of mailing threatening communications. She is expected to appear to face the charge this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court.

According to the criminal complaint unsealed today, Waller mailed more than 50 threatening letters in May and June 2013 to multiple entities and individuals, including a number in New Jersey. The recipients of those letters included the U.S. Supreme Court; the town hall in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey; Rutgers University; an insurance company; and the Millburn Township, New Jersey Police Department. The letters threatened to injure and kill unspecified individuals.

The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents, detectives, and investigators assigned to the JTTF, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark, with the investigation. The JTTF comprises law enforcement officers from numerous federal, state, and local agencies throughout New Jersey.

The government is represented by Andrew Kogan, chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.