Threat mailed to local sheriff contained powdery substance

OCALA, Fla. -- Marion County investigators are trying to track down the person who sent a suspicious package to the sheriff's office.

The package was opened by an assistant Friday morning. It contained a powdery substance that was deemed not harmful. Written on a letter inside was a direct threat to Sheriff Chris Blair, according to the incident report.

"This is serious," Sheriff Blair said in a statement, "the emotional stress to our employees will not be tolerated."

The FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement are collaborating in the investigation. Crime Stoppers is accepting anonymous tips at (352) 368-7867.