A New York man pled guilty in October of 2020 to sending letters and white powder claiming the substance was anthrax to federal offices, including multiple Social Security offices in upstate and central New York.
Jason Pantone, 35, of Hyde Park, New York is facing up to 5 years in prison for his acts, but no one was harmed by Pantone’s actions as the substance sent by Pantone tested negative for anthrax. A description of the case follows as issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Social Security Administration.
As part of his guilty plea, Pantone admitted that beginning on February 21, 2019 and until his arrest on February 27, 2019, he mailed envelopes containing white power to Social Security Administration offices in Binghamton, Plattsburgh and Utica, New York. He also mailed white powder letters addressed to the United States District Court in Syracuse, Binghamton, Albany, Plattsburgh, and Utica. Each of the envelopes contained a typed note, which read “ANTHRAX.” Some of the letters included a smiley face with X’s in place of the eyes. All samples of the white powder were tested and yielded negative results for anthrax or other hazardous material.
United States District Judge Mae D’Agostino scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2021. Pantone, who has been in custody since the date of his arrest, faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and 1 year of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The release from the OIG’s office did not suggest a motive for Pantone’s actions, but more about this case should be revealed when the scheduled sentencing occurs early next year.
