Oklahoma Man Faces Federal Charges Over White Powder Mailings
Federal officials say Robin Martin sent hundreds of letters containing yeast or flour to government offices before recent elections, triggering evacuations in two states.
By Chloe Martin ·
Federal prosecutors have charged an Oklahoma man with sending hundreds of letters filled with nonhazardous white powder to public officials prior to the 2024 and 2026 elections. The FBI identified Robin Martin as the suspect in a court filing released Tuesday. Authorities described the substance inside the envelopes as either yeast or flour, although they noted that not every letter has been fully tested.
Martin faces charges for conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications. He was scheduled to appear in court in Oklahoma City on Tuesday afternoon. Court records do not currently list a lawyer speaking on his behalf. The case stems from an investigation that began last month after officials reported receiving mailings with suspicious substances sent to congressional and election offices across the country.
The mailings caused immediate safety concerns at several government locations. Election offices in at least two states, Louisiana and Oklahoma, were evacuated as a precaution. In Louisiana, the Elections section of the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge cleared its staff in early October after receiving one of the packages.
The Senate Sergeant at Arms told the Associated Press that law enforcement teams worked to stop additional letters before they arrived. The message acknowledged that some letters might still reach their intended recipients. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service launched the joint probe. On Tuesday, the FBI directed media questions to the U.S. attorney's office. The Postal Inspection Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
