Newbury Park Man Arrested After Powder Is Found in Mail

A 39-year-old Newbury Park man was arrested this week on suspicion of mailing threatening letters that contained a white powder to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and district attorney’s office, officials said Friday.

Cory Thompson allegedly intended to cause fear in the recipients and their co-workers when he sent the letters in August, said sheriff’s spokesman Eric Nishimoto. He will be prosecuted under federal anti-terrorism laws.

Specifically, Thompson, who is being held in Ventura County Jail, will be charged with sending a weapon of mass destruction through the mail, officials said.

Investigators had not determined any motive. The white powder was discovered when the letters were opened, and local and federal hazardous materials teams were called to investigate, Nishimoto said. The powder was later found to be harmless.