Affidavit: Ricin found on items dumped by suspect in case of poison letters to Obama, others

TUPELO, Miss. – Federal prosecutors have filed documents that say the deadly poison ricin was found on items dumped by the suspect charged in the investigation of poisoned letters sent to President Barack Obama, a U.S. senator and a Mississippi judge.

An FBI affidavit made public Tuesday says that on April 22, James Everett Dutschke removed several items from his former martial arts studio in Tupelo, Mississippi.

The affidavit says tests indicated that items, including a dust mask, recovered from a trash can down the street from the studio tested positive for ricin.

The affidavit also says trace amounts of ricin were found in the studio, and that Dutschke bought castor beans on the Internet.

Castor beans are used to make ricin.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

Holbrook Mohr And Jay Reeves

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles