Federal Jury Verdict in Dallas
A federal jury has found Donald Ray McCray, 67, guilty of sending threatening letters and hoax biological materials to federal courthouses, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The conviction follows a two-day trial, with jurors reaching a verdict in about an hour.
Charges Involving Threats to Judges
McCray was convicted of:
- Three counts of mailing threatening communications to U.S. District Court judges in Texas and New York
- One count of sending a hoax biological weapon to a federal courthouse in Fort Worth
Prosecutors said the letters included explicit threats targeting judges and government personnel.
Powder-Filled Letters Trigger Emergency Response
Evidence presented in court showed that in March 2025, McCray mailed letters containing white powder from a Texas state prison.
One letter prompted a major emergency at the Fort Worth federal courthouse, leading to:
- A full building shutdown
- Hazmat team deployment
- Multi-agency response
Authorities later confirmed the substance was not dangerous.
Additional Threats and Courtroom Behavior
Prosecutors also revealed that McCray continued making threats even after his indictment, including statements directed at government officials during a federal court hearing.
Jurors reviewed letters, transcripts, and forensic testing results as part of the case.
Prior Conviction for Similar Offense
Officials noted that McCray had a prior conviction in 2019 for threatening a state judge, showing a pattern of similar behavior.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Sentencing and Potential Penalties
McCray is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19. He faces:
- Up to 10 years in prison for each threatening communication charge
- Up to 5 years for the hoax biological weapon charge
- Fines of up to $250,000