Everett Resident Who Sent Explosive Powder to more than a Dozen Washington DC Area Locations Charged in Federal Court

          A 43-year-old Everett resident made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court today charged by criminal complaint with shipping of explosive materials, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. THANH CONG PHAN, was arrested Monday March 26, 2018 after a number of packages containing small amounts of black explosive powder were received at various mail-screening locations in the Washington DC area.  The mailings were addressed to the White House, the FBI, and various government and military installations.  The investigation to locate and isolate all of the packages is ongoing.  No packages have exploded or caused any injuries.

            PHAN became a suspect in the case when a U.S. Postal Service inspector traced the tracking information on one of the packages to the Mill Creek, Washington post office self-service kiosk.  Surveillance photos from the time of the mailing appeared to show PHAN. Writings contained in the package were also similar to previous correspondence from PHAN to various government agencies.  PHAN had been known to police previously because of the writings, and due to frequent contact with the 9-1-1 emergency dispatch system.  PHAN was taken into custody without incident.

            Shipping of explosive materials is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

            The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service.