Portland, Ore. – David Albert Groves, 48, of Bay City, Oregon, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta today on a complaint charging him with mailing a threatening letter containing a simulated biological agent. Groves was released on release conditions pending his next court appearance on May 30, 2008, at 1:30. Groves was arrested at his residence on Thursday, May 1, 2008 by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies. The arrest was without incident and followed the search of his home and vehicles the day before. Oregon State Police Troopers and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted in the search.
According to an affidavit supporting the complaint, between May 2005 and February 2007, Groves sent numerous hostile letters to federal agencies, state agencies, a private business, a local non-profit group, and at least one individual. Court documents indicate that the letters contained a powder substance and direct or implied written threats of injury or death. Emergency personnel and/or hazardous materials teams had to respond to the scene in each instance. There were varying degrees of disruption of service at each facility, and, in some cases, evacuation or quarantine of employees.
United States Attorney Karin Immergut applauded the investigation. “Our emergency first responders are among our communities’ most valuable assets. They regularly put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Their time and energy should not be misdirected to hoaxes and pranks, while the needs of victims in a real emergency may go unaddressed.” Immergut noted that in many instances, conveying false information, or threats involving public safety, constitutes a crime prosecutable in federal court.
The FBI continues to identify and examine numerous other letters sent throughout the country that may be linked to this investigation. Anyone with information about those letters is asked to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181.
The maximum penalty for conviction of mailing threatening communications is five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty is enhanced to 10 years imprisonment when the victim is a federal judge, law enforcement officer or official. A complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant should be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case was investigated by the FBI, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Oregon State Police, and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Atkinson.
