Man Arrested After Hartford White Powder Scare

HARTFORD, CT — A New Haven man is under investigation and was taken into custody on an alleged probation violation after several white powder-filled packages were mailed to various places in Connecticut Wednesday.

Packages were found at the state Department of Education and the federal courthouse in Hartford along with two other locations, according to the Hartford Courant. The substance is believed to be baby powder.

Bristol Police were called to First Bristol Federal Credit Union for a white powder package.

“After a comprehensive and extensive assessment regarding the threats received today, authorities have determined that there is no imminent threat to state personnel or the public. Furthermore, federal authorities have a suspect in custody,"Gov. Dannel Malloy said.

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State law enforcement is working with federal authorities on the investigation.

Federal authorities arrested New Haven man Gary Joseph Gravelle, 51 aka "Roland Prejean." The U.S. Attorney Office District of Connecticut said that Gravelle is under investigation for sending multiple threatening communications and letters containing white powder to several state and federal offices and community organizations.

He was ordered detained by a federal judge. As of Wednesday evening he wasn't charged with the Hartford incidents.

Gravelle was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for mailing a number of threatening letters. Evidence was presented that he sent more than 50 threatening letters.

Gravelle failed to comply with conditions of his release, including notifying his probation office about a change of residence and failing to comply with mental health treatment, according to the U.S. Attorney's District of Connecticut office.

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