Oklahoma man charged over 700 hoax letters sent to officials

Federal investigators in Oklahoma City arrested Robin Martin Monday for sending hundreds of letters containing nonhazardous white powder to public officials. The mailings targeted members of Congress, election offices, and other government entities ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections.

According to a court filing made public Tuesday, the powders found in the letters were identified as yeast or flour. The FBI noted that not all items received by recipients have been fully tested. Martin faces charges for conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications. He is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City.

The investigation revealed that the sender used the return address U.S.T.E.A., United States Traitor Elimination Army, Takoma Park, Md. A three-page letter accompanied the powder, declaring war and warning recipients of upcoming arrests for treason. FBI agent David Cole stated in an affidavit that more than 700 mailings appeared to be associated with the same sender. The investigation traces back to 2024 when officials in every state reported similar incidents.

Colorado congressional offices were among the recipients of the suspicious mail. Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat from Aurora, said his office received a letter with a suspicious substance on Oct. 20. Crow stated that his staff is safe and the district office remains open. He said attempts to intimidate his team will not stop their work on behalf of Coloradans.

Rep. Joe Neguse, a Democrat from Boulder, and Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat from Denver, also reported receiving similar letters the day before Crow's office was notified. Neguse's staff confirmed the letter contained a powdery white substance. Neguse said he takes the safety of his staff seriously and that office work will not be disrupted. A spokesperson for Hickenlooper said postal investigators intercepted a suspicious letter addressed to his Denver office.

The wave of mailings prompted evacuations of election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma in October. States from Idaho to Florida reported that their election offices either received the letters or had them intercepted by the Postal Service. Federal authorities urged recipients to treat the mailings as potentially hazardous until testing was complete. The investigation continues as officials review the remaining items.