DNA Results On Tap

TRIAL DELAYED BY OBJECTION

Thursday, September 13, 2012

— Jurors had to wait overnight to find out whether DNA samples from envelopes containing threatening letters and white powder match Philip Hanson.

Hanson
Hanson

Hanson faces federal charges in connection to 57 incidents of using the mail to send threats or white powder, which turned out to be baking soda, to employees at DaySpring Card — his former employer before being terminated in 2009 — two banks, a school and a newspaper office.

The letters were sent in several batches in October and November 2011.

Callie Wells, a forensic DNA examiner for the Arkansas State Crime Lab was poised to give the jury results of DNA testing late Wednesday when Hanson objected, claiming he hadn’t received Wells’ report prior to trial. U.S. District Judge Jimm Hendren sent the jury home then determined Hanson received the report in August.

Stacie Wassell, a forensic serologist at the crime lab, testified earlier Wednesday analysts were able to obtain DNA from evidence submitted.

Wells will finish her testimony about the results of the DNA testing today.

A DNA match from the envelopes would shore up a largely circumstantial case against Hanson. The hard evidence so far consists of containers of white powder residue, envelopes and torn-up greeting cards from a plastic bag authorities saw Hanson throw into a trash can near his home.

Police also searched Hanson’s home and found pieces of envelopes and torn-up paper in trash bags in Hanson’s garage. Officers testified they could make out names that matched those on undelivered letters found in a nearby mailbox Nov. 4.

They also have one piece of clip art found on Hanson’s computer that appears to match that found on one of the letters. Other files on the computer police suspect were copies of letters and envelopes were encrypted, and analysts were unable to open them.

“What I’ve been told is they’re encrypted, and they can’t break the password,” said Rob Bacile, a Fayetteville detective who works with the FBI’s joint terrorism task force and who helped investigate the case.

No fingerprints were found on any of the material, and there were no eyewitnesses, according to testimony.

Hanson, who is representing himself, has denied sending the letters.

Prosecutors expect one more witness before resting their case against Hanson this morning. Hanson will then present his defense.