Local man arrested for mailing white powder, bullet with official’s name etched in it, making death threats

A New Albany man was arrested and charged federally after allegedly sending threats, bullets, and even white powdered labeled as ricin to elected officials.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Ohio, New Albany man Ronald Lidderdale, 39, appeared in federal court on May 9 to face charges of making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, mailing threatening communications, false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking.

Dating back to last summer, Lidderdale allegedly sent at least 49 letters containing white powder he claimed were ricin (a powerful poison), and even a letter containing a 9mm bullet with a public official’s name etched into it.

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Investigators believe he sent communications to TV stations and law enforcement outlining his plans. Some of his alleged letters to officials include language like,  “I will kill you for your ignorant loyalty to your pedophilic party” and “I will kill you for the good of The People. Your death will come when you least expect it.”

As recently as last week, he is alleged to have sent a hit list of eight individuals he planned to kill in the month of May.

“Targeting public officials with threatening messages and substances is a serious federal crime that won’t go unpunished,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Latarola in a press release. “FBI agents have worked closely with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate these incidents and arrest the suspected offender.”

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