Ohio man charged with sending threats and white powder to public officials

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A New Albany man has been charged with federal crimes for sending dozens of violent threats through the mail and email to public officials, law enforcement, and media outlets, including letters containing suspicious white powder and a bullet engraved with a victim’s name.

Ronald Lidderdale, 39, appeared in federal court in Columbus on Thursday, facing charges including making interstate threats, mailing threatening communications, false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking. Prosecutors allege he sent at least 65 letters and emails to 34 individuals, including state and federal officials and a local TV station.

According to court documents, Lidderdale mailed 49 letters containing white powder, sometimes falsely claiming it was Ricin. One letter included a 9mm bullet etched with the surname of a public official. At least 29 victims received the white powder mailings.

Between July and early August 2024, Lidderdale allegedly mailed multiple threatening letters using return addresses tied to associates of the targets. In one recent incident, he allegedly sent a “hitlist” to eight victims outlining individuals he claimed he planned to kill during the month of May.

In interviews with FBI agents, Lidderdale allegedly admitted to sending the messages to “incite fear” and “change behavior,” according to federal prosecutors.

Key points

Ronald Lidderdale charged with sending 65 threats to officials and media
Letters included white powder and a bullet with a victim’s name etched on it
Admitted intent was to incite fear and influence behavior, FBI says

Suspect faces multiple federal charges, including cyberstalking

Authorities say Lidderdale’s threats included graphic language, such as: “I will kill you for the good of The People. Your death will come when you least expect it.” Emails included statements that bullets would bear victims’ names and be aimed at their skulls.

Federal law enforcement, including the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Capitol Police, and state agencies, participated in the investigation. Officials emphasized that all materials sent were tested and found to be non-lethal.

If convicted, Lidderdale faces up to 10 years in prison for mailing threatening communications, and up to five years for each of the other charges.

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