Video: Dutschke Remains In Custody Following Preliminary Hearing

[bitsontherun 5WgNMQh1]

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- An Oxford federal court judge ruled there’s enough evidence for a grand jury to hear the case against a Tupelo man accused of sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), and Lee County Justice Court Judge Sadie Holland.

James Everett Dutschke appeared in court Thursday morning. An FBI agent testified, revealing that a dust mask that tested positive for ricin also contained Dutshcke’s DNA. Another person’s DNA was also found on the mask, but Dutshcke’s DNA is said to be the main contributor.

Another key point the agent stated was the claim that a witness who knew Dutschke from his martial arts studio remembers hearing the defendant making several anti-government remarks. In one instance, he remembers Dutschke saying that if he could put poison in a letter, it would be a good way to “take care of elected officials.” Another note made by the FBI agent was Dutchke’s purchase of more than 50 caster beans, which is more than enough to produce ricin.

Dutshcke’s attorney waived his rights to a detention hearing. The Tupelo man was arrested last week and denies sending the letters.

While that hearing was playing out in Oxford, Authorities started  the search of a Traceview Lane home in Tupelo but would not confirm it it was connected to the Ricin case.