FBI asks for public's help in ricin case

This is the vial that was found at a Greenville postal facility in October. FBI photo e-mail this story

"Anything that is a logical lead we will pursue," said Ann Middleton, the FBI supervisory senior resident agent in Greenville. "We are going to the public to see if we can solicit more leads."

Agents have interviewed hundreds of people about the incident, but Middleton said the case remains unsolved.

"We really believe that someone in the public knows and we need someone to come forward," she said.

The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the person who left a letter at a mail facility serving Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.

Inside the envelope was a small metal vial containing ricin, a substance derived from castor beans that is more deadly than nerve gas and a potential tool for terrorists, according to the FBI. Written on the envelope was "caution RICIN POISON" and a warning that read, "Do not open without proper protection."

FBI agents have been canvassing weigh stations, rest stops and talking to truckers to get information on the person who signed the letter "Fallen Angel." The letter stated the person would "start dumping" if federal officials did not repeal new trucking regulations aimed at requiring more rest for truckers by Jan. 4 .

The new rules are in effect.

Middleton said the FBI cannot say if "Fallen Angel" is from South Carolina, but believes the person has some familiarity with the area because the postal facility chosen is not one used by the public. She could not say why that facility off Pelham Road was chosen.

The Oct. 15 discovery of ricin triggered a terrorism investigation, the temporary closing of the postal center and testing of the facility by state and federal health officials.

It also prompted calls for improving the nation's response to bioterrorism threats, though investigators quickly labeled the ricin incident extortion.

Symptoms of the poison, if taken by mouth, can appear first like a respiratory or intestinal flu, making it hard to spot. Eventually the poisoning can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain and death, officials said.

— John Boyanoski can be reached at 298-4065.