Investigation is underway after the City of Sandusky received a suspicious letter Thursday afternoon.
According to county officials, the letter was addressed to City Manager Dave Faber but opened by a city employee prior to its contents being recognized as unusual. The employees reported that no contents were observed inside the envelope, but after opening the letter, two employees reported experiencing itching skin.
The Sandusky Police Department responded to the incident, with the municipal building closed shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, out of an abundance of caution. At the request of Sandusky Police Chief Steve McKenny, the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to assist with the situation while the Chief was out of town. Additional agencies involved in the response included the Sanilac County Emergency Management Department, Sandusky Fire Department, the Sanilac County Drug Task Force, and the county’s Detective Bureau.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Port Huron Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were contacted regarding the incident. Federal investigators have indicated that similar letters have recently been sent to government offices throughout Michigan and in a few other states. In several cases, the envelopes have contained unusual stamped markings on the outside such as “EBSCO,” multiple “7’s,” and the name “GARRITY.” These markings do not appear to represent a legitimate return address.
At this time, investigators have advised that no biological or radiological substances have been identified in any of the letters received to date, and the incidents remain under investigation. Out of an abundance of caution, the sheriff’s department is asking all county employees to remain alert when handling incoming mail.
If you receive a suspicious letter or envelope, the sheriff’s office advises that you do not open the envelope and avoid excessive handling of the item at all. If possible, isolate the item and keep others away from it. Do not shake, smell or attempt to inspect the contents; instead, immediately contact Sanilac County Central Dispatch at 810-648-2000 Ext. 2 so that a deputy can respond and evaluate the situation.
Sandusky City Hall operations resumed Friday.
