SPRINGFIELD -- A Southwick man was arrested Friday and charged in federal court for sending four packages, two of which contained white powder, to federal agencies within the city.
Kevin A. Johnson, 47, was charged by criminal complaint with two counts of conveying false information and hoaxes and two counts of mailing threatening communications, according to a release issued by U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling.
Johnson was detained following an initial appearance in federal court.
Court documents allege that on July 23, security cameras at the city's FBI office captured an individual throwing a manila envelope at the front door. The package contained a handwritten note saying: "Death to TRUMP."
On Oct. 23, the Social Security Administration office received a package containing white powder and a handwritten letter stating, among other things: "FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO YOU TRAITORS, AND THE F---ING FBI."
On Oct. 24, the city FBI office received a package through the mail addressed to "AGENT UNCLE HAM." The package contained white powder and a handwritten note stating: "FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO THE N.O.R.A.D SPIES, AND THE FBI."
Laboratory testing later determined that the white powder in the packages did not contain hazardous material.
The package included a handwritten letter and two newspaper articles. One of the newspaper articles was a report that the Social Security building closed after receiving a suspicious package.
The article noted that the powder was found to be onion salt. The words "onion salt" were circled in pen on the article.
The second article was about the death of James "Whitey" Bulger Jr. The phrase "5 finger Freddy" was written in pen next to the name "Freddy Geas" on the article. News media outlets have reported Geas as Bulger's suspected killer.
The charges of false information and hoaxes provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of mailing threatening communications provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.