NewsWPLG Local 10October 26, 2026Miami-Dade County
Federal authorities charge Illinois man Matthew Ungelsbee with mailing hoax packages containing salt to members of Congress
Photo: WPLG Local 10
An Illinois man is facing federal charges for allegedly mailing threatening letters containing non-dangerous white powder and notes to members of Congress. Matthew Ungelsbee, 37, was arrested and scheduled for a court appearance following an investigation triggered by an anonymous tip. Court records indicate the envelopes contained salt and were sent as what the defendant claimed was a joke.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
Federal investigators intercepted suspicious mail sent to elected officials, raising security concerns across congressional offices and prompting local law enforcement and FBI responses.
Key Facts
- Matthew Ungelsbee, 37, of Quincy, Illinois, is charged with mailing threatening communications and perpetrating a hoax.
- The criminal complaint states Ungelsbee sent at least four plain white envelopes containing a powdery substance and a note reading 'HAH enjoy the gift' to elected officials.
- The letters were postmarked in Springfield, Illinois, on Oct. 19 and featured Unglesbee's handwritten return address.
- FBI agents who interviewed Ungelsbee at his home on Sunday reported he stated the envelopes contained salt.
- Testing confirmed the white substance was not dangerous, though testing records did not identify the exact substance.
- Ungelsbee admitted he knew recipients would perceive the powder as anthrax and take it seriously, despite claiming he was joking.
- An anonymous tipster who overheard Ungelsbee talking about the mailings at a restaurant initiated the FBI investigation on Oct. 16.
- Authorities executing a search warrant found a fifth envelope addressed to another congress member's Washington, D.C., office.
- None of the letter recipients opened the mailings, and the most recent envelope was received on Oct. 23 at a U.S. senator's office.
- Ungelsbee denied involvement in separate, broader mailings with suspicious substances that federal authorities began investigating earlier this month.
Who's Mentioned
locationQuincy“Hometown of Matthew Ungelsbee in southwestern Illinois.”OrganizationU.S. Postal Inspection Service“Investigating agency involved in nationwide suspicious mail inquiries.”OrganizationFBI“Federal agency that interviewed Ungelsbee and investigated the mailings.”OrganizationU.S. Capitol Police“Investigating agency involved in nationwide suspicious mail inquiries.”PersonMatthew Ungelsbee“37-year-old Illinois man charged with sending threatening letters.”OrganizationSenate Sergeant at Arms“Issued a message disclosed by The Associated Press regarding suspicious letters.”locationWashington, D.C.“Location of a congress member's office where a fifth envelope was addressed.”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News organization that obtained a message from the Senate Sergeant at Arms.”locationChicago“City where envelopes were sent to elected officials.”locationSpringfield“Illinois city where letters were postmarked.”