MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A 45-year-old man faces a federal indictment for allegedly mailing threatening letters that forced the evacuation of the Pine County Courthouse late last year.

Johnnie Earl Long of Braham was charged Thursday with one count of false information and hoaxes and six counts of mailing threatening communications.

According to the indictment, Long allegedly mailed a series of threatening letters to officials at the courthouse. Although the letters contained a white powder that proved harmless, prosecutors say the letters suggested the powder contained a lethal pathogen.

Long is in custody. Online court records do not list a defense attorney.

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