Feds, hazmat crew at New Boston, TX home in ricin letter case

NEW BOSTON, TX (KSLA) - Federal officials are back at the New Boston, Texas home Friday where computer equipment and other items were removed Thursday night, reportedly in connection with ricin-laced letters sent to public officials.

Law enforcement officers asked the media to move back and make way for equipment for further testing in the home. Men in biohazard suits could be seen in the yard, setting up two large tents.

Neighbors identify the man that lives in the home with his wife and 5 children as Nathan Richardson. A co-worker tells KSLA News 12 Richardson works at Red River Army Depot in nearby Hooks.

That's where Richardson was reportedly first questioned by the FBI as part of the investigation into ricin-laced letters sent to President Barack Obama, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and the gun control lobbying group Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

The FBI has so far not confirmed any arrests in the case or persons of interest. FBI Dallas Public Affairs Specialist Katherine Chaumont says they cannot comment on an ongoing investigation.

Sources close to the investigation say both Richardson and his wife were questioned Friday at the FBI offices at the federal courthouse in downtown Texarkana. Both Nathan and Shannon Richardson were seen arriving at the federal building Friday morning. Nathan Richardson was seen leaving the courthouse in a private vehicle Friday afternoon.

CBS News reports that the letter addressed to President Obama bears the same postmark, and, from all appearances seems to be connected to the other two. All three letters have a May 20th and Shreveport postmark.

The Shreveport postal center handles mail from Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas, so the letters could have come from any of those states.

According to CBS News, law enforcement sources say the ricin is of poor quality and is a low-level, crudely made poison.

Copyright 2013 KSLA. All rights reserved.