False Anthrax Scare Prompts Evacuation of Barre Courthouse

Police are investigating after an anthrax scare prompted the evacuation of the Washington County Courthouse in Barre.

The courthouse was evacuated at about 4 p.m. Wednesday following the discovery of a suspicious envelope containing white powder believed to be anthrax.

Police say a clerk opened the envelope, which also contained a note that said "Anthrax," and got some of the powder on her.

A state hazardous materials team responded and conducted tests on the powder, which they determined wasn't anthrax.

Police say the letter was marked as correspondence from a Vermont inmate held out of state in Delaware. The inmate reportedly told a corrections official that he sent foot powder through the mail.

It's unclear if the inmate will face criminal charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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