DENVER (LAWFUEL) – Marc Harold Ramsey, age 39, who is presently in the Arapahoe County Jail, has been charged by Criminal Complaint today in federal court with mailing a threatening communication. Ramsey remains in state custody. A writ will be requested, and he is expected to be transferred to federal custody to make his initial appearance.
Yesterday, August 21, 2008, at approximately 3:15 pm a package was opened by a staffer at Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign office. The package contained a threatening letter and a white powder-like substance. Field tests of the powder by the South Metro/Parker Fire Department and the Civil Support Team showed the substance was not hazardous.
According to the FBI affidavit, the letter Ramsey mailed said in part, “Senator McCain, If you are reading this then you are already DEAD! Unless of course you can’t or don’t breathe.” If convicted of mailing a threat the defendant faces up to 5 years in federal prison, and not more than a $250,000 fine.
“We won’t stand for threats of this kind in Colorado,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Eid. “A death threat is not a legitimate form of political expression,” Eid said.
This case is being investigated by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Secret Service (USSS), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Holloway.
A Criminal Complaint is a probable cause charging document. Anyone accused of committing a federal felony crime has a Constitutional right to be indicted by a federal grand jury.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
