A New Albany man faces federal charges for allegedly sending over 65 threatening letters and electronic communications to public officials, media, and law enforcement, some containing white powder or etched bullets. Ronald Lidderdale, 39, was charged with a range of offenses, including making interstate threats and cyberstalking, with a potential maximum sentence of 10 years for mailing threatening communications, as per a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Among the victims were approximately 34 individuals including local and statewide Ohio public officials, federal government officials, and political actors, with nearly 49 letters holding suspicious powders claimed to be Ricin, and one letter that contained a bullet with a name etched on it, Acting United States Attorney Kelly A. Norris stated that political violence or threats cannot be tolerated. Perpetrators can expect a concerted effort from law enforcement to be identified and prosecuted. During a period between July and August 2024, Lidderdale is alleged to have carried out five separate mailings which included threats and potentially harmful substances, according to charging documents, he utilized return labels falsely indicating they were from persons linked to the targeted officials.
Last week, the suspect reportedly targeted eight victims with a hit list and stated his intent to commit murders within the month, further exacerbating a climate of fear. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cincinnati Division, Elena Iatarola, highlighted the gravity of threatening public officials, underscoring the FBI's dedication to investigating such federal crimes alongside various partner agencies.
Lidderdale's threats were ominously specific mentioning that each victim would "receive the gift of their names etched onto a single bullet" with the clear intention to intimidate, and on Thursday, he purportedly admitted to FBI agents his motives to terrorize to effect behavioral change, the U.S Department of Justice's news release emphasized that conveying false information, making interstate threats, and cyberstalking are serious crimes with up to five-year prison terms for each offense.
The prosecution is led by Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Jessica W. Knight, supported by national and public integrity section trial attorneys. It exemplifies a robust, multi-agency response to address the malign behavior. The coordinated investigative efforts included the U.S. Capitol Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, local police departments, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, reaffirming the federal government's commitment to safeguard its officials from threats and intimidation.
