Brian Daniel Norton, Fake Anthrax/Ricin Letters, New York 2015

Related Federal Cases

Ralph Nicoletti, Michael Contreras, and Brian Carranza, Hate Crime, New York 2008 · Florida
Brian Coll, Fatal Beating of Detainee, New York 2012 · New York
Johnny Ray Gasca, Kidnapping, New York 2021 · Pennsylvania
Thomas Disla, Multiple Shootings, New York 2022 · Pennsylvania
Ahmed Altorei, Narcotics Conspiracy, New York 2022 · New York

Table of Contents

Cicero Man Admits Mailing Fake Anthrax/Ricin Letters to Prominent Figures

A disturbing case of mail tampering has come to light in New York. Brian Daniel Norton, a 59-year-old resident of Cicero, New York, has pleaded guilty to two federal felony counts of conveying false information and hoaxes. The charges stem from a series of over 20 death threat letters containing a white powder claimed to be either anthrax or ricin, which Norton mailed to various addresses in the Syracuse, New York, area and elsewhere between 1997 and 2012.

The letters were sent to a range of prominent figures, including LeMoyne College, Bishop Ludden High School in Syracuse, U.S. Senator John McCain, then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and former Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle. Fortunately, later analysis of the powder revealed that it was harmless.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Syracuse Resident Office, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Syracuse Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen C. Green. The investigation spanned nearly two decades, with Norton’s activities causing concern and disruption to the recipients.

Norton faces a maximum possible sentence of five years incarceration and a $250,000 fine. He is currently being detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 10, 2015, at 11 am in U.S. District Court in Utica.

The case highlights the importance of vigilance in mail security and the need for prompt action in addressing potential threats. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such malicious activities.

For additional information, contact Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney John G. Duncan at 315-448-0672.

Norton’s guilty plea marks a significant milestone in the case, and his sentencing will provide closure for the victims and the community. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

By Grimy Times Staff