700 Letters: Oklahoma Man Charged Over Election Mailings

More than 700 pieces of mail associated with one sender were traced to an Oklahoma City man this fall, according to federal court filings. Robin Martin faces charges for conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications. Law enforcement arrested him on Monday, and he was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

The envelopes contained white powder that agents identified as nonhazardous yeast or flour, though the FBI noted that not all letters have been fully tested. Each package included a three-page letter warning recipients of treason. Some documents carried hidden messages readable only under ultraviolet light. One such warning read, “Stay on the right side of history! Your life may depend on it!!”

The investigation began in 2024 when election officials in multiple states reported receiving mail with similar contents. The sender used the return address “U.S.T.E.A., United States Traitor Elimination Army, Takoma Park, MD.” FBI agent David Cole stated in an affidavit that the mailings were addressed to election officials, members of Congress, pollsters, news media, and federal law enforcement.

Martin’s letters frequently warned of upcoming arrests for treason “or worse!!” Cole explained that the writer described perceived issues with the 2020 election and claimed President Donald Trump won that race. The letters expressed concern that similar issues would recur in the 2024 and 2026 elections.

Federal authorities announced their investigation last month, urging recipients to treat the suspicious substances as potentially hazardous. The mailings forced the evacuation of election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma. Officials in states from Idaho to Florida reported receiving or intercepting the letters through the Postal Service.

Video evidence shows Martin’s car stopping at mailboxes in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio in October. Investigators found his fingerprints on a letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, though the first name was spelled “Kashyap.” Walmart records indicate Martin bought household goods like turmeric and vinegar to create the invisible ink.

The Democratic Socialists of America assisted in the investigation. The FBI believes Martin posted to a DSA email list in October under the name George Livingston. In that message, he warned members they were traitors eligible for arrest if they voted on November 3. No attorney had been listed in online records to comment on Martin’s behalf, and relatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.