Crime & Safety

Man Accused of Sending White Powder to City Hall

Phillip Harold Adams Jr. pleaded not guilty to sending an envelope with white powder to South San Francisco and San Carlos city halls.

A San Leandro man is accused of sending envelopes filled with white powder to South San Francisco and San Carlos city halls over the summer.

Phillip Harold Adams Jr., 37, pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of sending a false weapon with the intention to cause fear in court on Wednesday, said District Attorney Stephen M. Wagstaffe.

On July 5, two female employees opened a legal-sized letter to sent to South San Francisco City Hall, Wagstaffe said. White powder got on their arms, according to Wagstaffe.

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The building was evacuated and the fire department and HAZMAT units responded. It turned out the powder was white foot powder, Wagstaffe said.

A similar event took place at San Carlos City Hall on June 20, Wagstaffe said.

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The envelope had information identifying Adams, who Wagstaffe said is a San Leandro resident with mental health problems. Police traced him to the Golden Bear Hotel in Berkeley and found white foot powder in his room, Wagstaffe said.

If convicted, Adams could face up to a year in jail. He remains in custody on $100,000 bail and is scheduled for jury trial on Jan. 3.


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