- The Washington Times - Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Federal authorities say they’ve found evidence of ricin in the Tupelo, Miss., martial arts studio that is run by the suspect who’s accused of sending poison letters to the president.

James Everett Dutschke is also charged with sending ricin-laced letters to a politician and a judge.

The FBI said Tuesday that agents discovered ricin in the studio as well as on items that police observed him taking from his studio and depositing in the trash, The Associated Press reported. Among the items: a dust mask, AP reported.

Moreover, the FBI said the suspect purchased castor beans — which are used to make ricin — online, AP reported.

The studio was sealed after FBI collected “trace levels of ricin,” FBI spokeswoman Deborah Madden said.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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