Mailings to Scientology sites probed

Authorities are investigating the source of envelopes containing a white, powdery substance sent to 10 buildings in the Southland.
By John Spano and Andrew Blankstein, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
January 31, 2008
Mailings of a suspicious white powder to 10 Church of Scientology addresses prompted the evacuation of dozens of people and the closure of a major thoroughfare Wednesday as hazmat teams were called to examine the packages.

The letters were sent via the Postal Service to Scientology properties in Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, Glendale and Tustin. Police shut part of Glendale's busy Brand Boulevard for two hours before sounding the all-clear, while 60 people were cleared from buildings in Tustin, authorities said.

 
The incidents appeared to be part of a hoax. Preliminary tests showed the powder to be cornstarch and wheat germ.

"Initial field testing by LAPD indicates the powder is harmless," said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. "However, further testing will be conducted. We will also work to assess what threat, if any, was associated with the mailings and determine whether any federal statutes were violated."

The Church of Scientology had no comment about the incidents. The mailings come after a cyber attack last week on the Church's website. Authorities said there was no evidence that Wednesday's mailings were connected to the hacking.

The Scientology Story
A Times Series From 1990
PART ONE
The Mind Behind the Religon
June 24, 1990

  • Defining the Theology
  • The Man in Control
   • Burglaries and Lies Paved a Path to Prison
  • Church Scriptures Get High-Tech Protection

PART TWO
Church Markets Its Gospel With High-Pressure Sales
June 25, 1990

  • Shoring Up Its Religious Profile
  • The Courting of Celebrities

PART THREE
Defectors Recount Lives of Hard Work, Punishment
June 26, 1990

PART FOUR
Church Seeks Influence in Schools, Business, Science
June 27, 1990

  • Courting the Power Brokers
  • Funds Assist Celebrated Teacher Escalante

PART FIVE
Costly Strategy Continues to Turn Out Bestsellers
June 28, 1990

PART SIX
On the Offensive Against Suspected Foes
June 29, 1990

  • Suits Fuel Campaign Against Psychiatry
  • When the Doctrine Leaves the Church
  • Neither Side Blinks in a Lengthy Feud

COMPLETE SERIES

john.spano@latimes.com

andrew.blankstein@latimes.com




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