2012 photo of Michael Dekota McRae (L), Ako Abdul-Samad.
A former clerk in the Iowa House will spend time in a federal prison for a hoax that prompted a state capitol lock down two years ago.
Michael Dekota McRae was working as a secretary for State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad. Both men are black. McRae has admitted he wrote a letter to Abdul-Samad that was both threatening and racially-charged and he put a powdery white substance in the envelope.
During a late-night debate in the Iowa House, McRae opened the envelope at the legislator’s desk and the powder spilled onto both men. The capitol was locked down for four hours. Tests determined the powder was not toxic.
McRae, who is now 28 years old, pleaded guilty to providing false information about a biological weapon earlier this year. He was sentenced this week to 18 months in prison.