August 23, 2007: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Acting Chief of Investigations Joseph A. Cannatella re-confirm the negative test results of samples collected during an investigation in the Township of Pequannock.

On August 22, 2007, a letter was received by the Pequannock Township Police Department. In that letter, the term "anthrax" was found inside along with a number of amber colored beads. Following an evacuation of the building for the safety of the employees therein, preliminary on site tests were performed by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Weapons of Mass Destruction Assessment Team showing negative results for the presence of radiological and chemical weapons agents.

The substance was then further tested by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, for the presence of biological agents, with negative results. This initial testing by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

The results of the definitive test and final confirmation by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services as to the nature of the substance are expected to occur within 72 hours of its collection.

The Pequannock Township Police Department is fully functioning at this time. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office received extensive assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force and Hazardous Materials Unit, Pequannock Township Police Department, United States Postal Inspectors, Morris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Section, Pequannock Township First Aid, Pequannock Township Fire Department and Chilton Memorial Paramedics.

Preliminary inquiry and test results confirm that there is no concern to the public at large with respect to this matter.

Further updates will be provided upon receipt of same.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio
(973) 285-6222