A Massachusetts man on Monday pleaded guilty to possessing a deadly toxin and threatening a federal prosecutor, the Boston Globe reported.
Michael Crooker, who has a lengthy criminal record, pleaded guilty to one count of mailing a letter containing a threat to injure a U.S. officer or employee and one count of possessing the toxin ricin without the required registration, the newspaper reported.
In 2004, Crooker attempted to send through the mail what appeared to be a homemade firearm silencer. After federal agents intercepted the package they raided his home in June 2004. During a search of his apartment, the agents found an apparent weapons lab that included several dangerous chemicals that could be used to make powerful explosives, according to the Globe. The discovery prompted the evacuation of the 50 residents living in Crooker’s apartment complex, the newspaper reported.
Upset by his arrest and agents’ raid of him home, Crooker in July 2004 sent a threatening letter to the Assistant U.S. Attorney handling his case in which he referenced Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. Crooker wrote, “As Martyr McVeigh’s T-shirt says: ‘The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time by blood of patriots and tyrants.’ ’’ Crooker continued, “Bring on your [expletive] and I’ll bring on mine.’’
Crooker, who is scheduled to be sentenced June 20, faces up to 15 years in prison, and $500,000 in fines. Under the plea agreement, it will be recommended that Crooker serve the maximum 15-year sentence.
