Oklahoma Man Accused of Mailing Yeast Letters to Officials
Federal agents charged Robin Martin with sending over 700 packages containing harmless powders and treason warnings ahead of recent elections.
By Salma Farouk ·
Robin Martin, an Oklahoma City resident, was arrested by federal authorities on Monday for sending hundreds of letters to public officials that contained a white powder and threats of treason. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oklahoma City filed the charges on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of an investigation that began two years ago.
The FBI released a sworn statement on Tuesday detailing the case. Agents identified the white powder inside the envelopes as either yeast or flour. While not all mailings have been fully analyzed, the agency confirmed the substance posed no immediate health risk. Martin faces charges of spreading a deception and mailing threatening communications.
The investigation traces back to 2024, when election officials in multiple states began receiving mail with a white substance. The letters included a three-page declaration of war and warnings visible only under ultraviolet light. One message read, “Stay on the right side of history! Your life may depend on it!!”
Each of the more than 700 packages had a different return address, which complicated the initial tracking. The return address listed was “U.S.T.E.A., United States Traitor Elimination Army, Takoma Park, MD.” According to FBI Special Agent David Cole, the mailings targeted election officials, members of Congress, pollsters, media outlets, and federal law enforcement agencies.
A common theme in the 2024 and 2026 mailings warned recipients of imminent arrest for treason or worse. Cole noted that the writer described perceived problems with the 2020 election, asserted that President Donald Trump had won that race, and expressed concern that similar issues would repeat in the 2024 election.
Federal authorities announced last month that they were investigating letters with suspicious substances sent to congressional and election offices nationwide. They advised recipients to treat the mail as potentially hazardous. The mailings led to evacuations of election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma in October. Many states reported that their offices either received the letters or that the Postal Service intercepted them before delivery.
Video footage showed Martin’s car stopping at U.S. Postal Service mailboxes in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio in October. Investigators also obtained fingerprints from a letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, who is spelled “Kashyap” in the mail. Walmart records indicated Martin purchased common household items, including turmeric and vinegar, to create invisible ink readable under ultraviolet light.
The Democratic Socialists of America appeared to assist the FBI in the probe. Agents believe Martin, using the name George Livingston, posted a message on the group’s email list in October. The message warned members they were traitors and could be arrested for treason if they voted in the November 3 elections.
Online records did not list an attorney for Martin. Several family members did not immediately respond to social media messages seeking comment. Martin is scheduled to appear in federal court in Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Federal agents will continue to review the remaining mailings as part of the ongoing case.
