DES MOINES, IA - Michael Dekota McRae, former legislative clerk in the Iowa Legislature, was arraigned this afternoon on an indictment charging him with false information and hoaxes, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1038(a)(1), announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.
If convicted of this charge, McRae faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine. McRae may also be required to reimburse the state for costs associated with the commission and investigation of this crime.
The charge related to an incident at the Iowa Statehouse on April 3, 2012, where McRae reported opening an envelope containing a written death threat and a quantity of white powder during a public legislative session. McRae’s report resulted in the temporary shutdown of the Iowa legislative session.
The indictment, returned by a Southern District of Iowa grand jury on April 29, 2015, alleges McRae to be the author of the threatening letter. Trial has been scheduled for Aug. 3, 2015.
The public is reminded that an indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
