The Oregon State Public Health Laboratory completed the preliminary testing of a sample of suspicious letters received by law enforcement agencies around the state. The testing showed that there were no biological toxins or powders included in or on the letters and envelopes in question.
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are in the process of completing their portion of this investigation. Unless new information surfaces, neither the FBI nor the U.S. Postal Inspection Service anticipate pursuing federal charges in this case.
Earlier this week, investigators identified a Eugene man as a person of interest in the case. On Monday, multiple government offices – including the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office – received suspicious letters which drew concern they may be contaminated with hazardous materials.
Hazardous material teams responded to these locations as well as investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies. Preliminary testing from the hazardous material teams could not detect any harmful substances.
On Tuesday, investigators identified Lance T. Storm, 34, of Eugene, as a person of interest. He was located and interviewed regarding the investigation. Oregon State Police reported today that Storm was very forthcoming and eager to discuss the letters he mailed. Storm told investigators the communications were not intended to cause alarm and he denied the inclusion of harmful substances.
Storm did not appear to present any violent or dangerous behavior and was not perceived as a threat to the community. He was released.
The following counties where letters are known to be received were Umatilla, Grant, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Grant, Jackson, Wasco, Marion, Polk, Lane, Sherman, Tillamook, Gilliam, Columbia, Linn, Jefferson, Wheeler, Union, Douglas, Baker, Yamhill, Wallowa and Coos.
