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Powder, Threat Mailed To Crist; FDLE Boss Says He's Safe

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 22, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Gerald Bailey, commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, said today he is satisfied Gov. Charlie Crist is safe despite a threatening letter containing white powder that arrived for him at the Capitol on Wednesday.

The Division of Capitol Police operates a mailing center that screens all mail that comes to the Capitol. That's about 4 million pieces a year, Bailey said.

On Wednesday, screeners found a letter with white powder in it. Preliminary testing by the state Department of Health indicates it is not a toxin; tests are ongoing.

"There was a direct threat to the governor in the letter; we do have persons of interest. We are pursuing that now," Bailey said. "There had been some speculation that this may be related to similar letters that had gone to Sen. [John] McCain. As far as we can tell, they are not."

Florida police are exchanging information with the Secret Service, he said. The letter contained a name and address, Bailey said, yielding significant leads though not necessarily the identity of the sender. The letter originated from south of Tallahassee, Bailey said. He would not elaborate, citing the ongoing investigation.

"We will have more leads after the health department releases the letter back to us and we can put it in our forensic process," he said. "But let me assure you, the governor is safe."

Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382 or cdolinski@tampatrib.com.

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