KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On August 23, 2021, Della Marie Gibson, 37, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge H. Bruce Guyton to two counts of sending biohazardous materials through the United States mail. After receiving her guilty pleas, the Court imposed a two-year sentence of probation.
According to documents filed with the Court, on or about April 5, 2021, Gibson mailed and had delivered, using the United States Postal Service (USPS), a package containing feces to her husband’s ex-wife. On or about April 9, 2021, Gibson obtained human blood from a patient during her regular duties as a registered nurse and placed the patient’s blood on a feminine napkin, which Gibson then mailed to the same victim using the USPS.
While on probation, Gibson will be supervised by the United States Probation Office and must undergo mental health treatment, anger management treatment, and have no contact with the victim or her minor children. In addition, Gibson is prohibited from obtaining or seeking a position in the healthcare field involving direct contact with patients.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting those who use the United States Postal Service to threaten or intimidate individuals or to jeopardize the safety of federal employees,” said Acting United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III.
“The egregious acts done by this defendant in mailing the biohazardous materials could have caused potential harm to the intended recipient, our postal employees and facilities,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors are committed to defending the nation’s mail system and providing a safe environment for Postal Service employees and customers. We are grateful for the assistance from our law enforcement partners and the swift action taken by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to obtain a conviction and sentencing for this investigation.”
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspector and the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.
