Man Held in Threats Against IRS Auditor
A 48-year-old Santee man was arrested Monday on two federal counts of sending threatening letters to an Internal Revenue Service auditor. The letters allegedly contained a white powder meant to scare the auditor into thinking he had been exposed to anthrax.
James Robert Harer, a building contractor, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted on both counts. “We will not tolerate threats or hoaxes,” said U.S. Atty. Carol Lam.
Harer allegedly sent the threatening letters after being informed that his tax returns had been selected for a random audit.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
