The court of appeals affirmed a judgment of the district court. The court held that, to convict for the crime of committing threats and hoaxes under 18 U.S.C. §1038(a)(1), the government does not have to prove that a defendant intended that his victims could reasonably believe his false information or that they could reasonably believe that terrorist activity had taken, was taking, or would take place.
Chad Castagana sent threatening letters to various celebrities and political figures. The letters were accompanied by a white powdery substance that was a mixture of laundry soap and cleanser. Castagana was indicted and tried for committing threats and hoaxes in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1038(a)(1).
