Editor’s Note: The number of years Sayoc could spend in prison has been adjusted from 58 to 48 to reflect a correction issued by the DOJ.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says that the series of suspected explosive devices sent to Democratic officials “utterly unacceptable” and a “threat to the respect for law.”
Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray addressed the media Friday to announce the arrest of mail bomb suspect Cesar Sayoc, Jr.
Sayoc, 56, was arrested Friday morning outside an AutoZone store in Plantation, Florida.
Sessions said Sayoc will be charged with five federal crimes punishable by up to 48 years in prison. The charges include making threats against former presidents and other officials, as well as assault.
FBI Director Chris Wray confirmed there have been 13 devices sent to various individuals across the nation, and added, that although Sayoc is in custody, there still may be more.
The IEDs consisted of six inches of PVC pipe, a small clock, a battery, wiring, and energetic material.
Wray said while they are still analyzing the IEDs, they are not hoax devices.
Wray confirmed they were able to uncover a latent fingerprint from one of the envelopes sent to Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ office, and they were able to confirm it belonged to Sayoc. He said they also have two other possible DNA connections from other IED devices and are awaiting confirmation.
(Photo by the Broward Co. Sheriff)
