FBI: Fingerprint, DNA led to suspect in mail bomb scare

PLANTATION, Fla. (CBS12) — The FBI said a latent fingerprint and DNA evidence led authorities to a suspect in a series of mail bomb scares this week.

The suspect has been identified as 56-year-old Cesar A. Sayoc. He faces five criminal charges, and more could be added later. Those charges include interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents and certain other persons, threatening interstate communications, and assaulting federal officers.

Authorities believe Sayoc was living out of his van, even though he has an Avenura address where his mother lives, according to the Miami Herald. Sayoc also claimed he was affiliated with the Seminole tribe, but the tribe is denying any connection with the him.

Sayoc attended North Miami Beach High School, according to the Sun Sentinel.

According to the DOJ affidavit, "Sayoc mailed at least 13 IEDs through the U.S. mail to certain current and former U.S. Government officials, politicians and others, including mailings across state lines."

The FBI said they were not hoax devices, with each one containing six inches of PVC pipe, a small clock, a battery, wiring, and energetic material. The affidavit said the IEDs were packaged in a manila envelope lined with bubble wrap. Each one had approximately six self-adhesive stamps bearing an image of the American flag, and each listed a return address of Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The return address also said "FLORIDS" instead of Florida.

The arrest happened Friday morning in Plantation along State Road 7 and SW 6th Street.

Aerial footage showed a white van in the parking lot of an Auto Zone store. According to the affidavit, the van had images critical of CNN.

Authorities covered it with a blue tarp and towed it away to a FBI facility in Miramar.

Sayoc was working at Ultra Gentlemen's Club in West Palm Beach the night before his arrest, the club's manager confirmed. He was the door host and DJ.

CBS12's Luli Ortiz has the latest:

CBS Miami reports at the time of the arrest a loud explosion was heard, possibly from a flash bang device used by the FBI. A worker across the street at Plantation Firestone told CBS Miami police told him to evacuate the building. A mechanic at the same shop said he heard a pop outside shortly before the arrest.

CBS12 reporters Maxine Bentzel and Mike Magnoli took video of FBI agents questioning store workers Friday afternoon.

The Sun-Sentinel reported Sayoc is a registered Republican with 10 arrests in his past, including one in 2002 for making a bomb threat, according to records from FDLE. On Aug. 7, 2002, Sayoc contacted a representative from Florida Power & Light by phone and threatened to blow up the station at 4200 West Flagler in Miami, saying "it would be worse than Sept. 11." He also told the representative that something bad would happen if he cut his electricity.

Court records obtained by the Associated Press show Sayoc was convicted in Broward County on grand theft and stolen property charges. He also had arrests on charges of fraudulent refunds and misdemeanor of tampering with physical evidence.

WSVN reported Sayoc worked as a delivery man for Papa John's Pizza in Hollywood. WTSP reported Sayoc worked as a male stripper in the 1990s.

The Daily Mail reported Sayoc's Facebook page shows him to be an ardent fan of President Trump who posted numerous photos and videos of himself at a 2016 rally.

President Trump said Friday afternoon the suspect in the mail bomb scare will be prosecuted to the "fullest extent of the law."

Investigators intercepted or found at least twelve packages this week.

The last two came Friday and were addressed to New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and former National Intelligence Director James Clapper.

Other addressees included former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden and former First Lady Hillary Clinton.

And late Friday afternoon, Sen. Kamala Harris (D) said authorities in Sacramento are investigating a suspicious package mailed to her.

CNN also reported authorities are investigating a suspicious package addressed to billionaire Tom Steyer.

Many packages listed the return address to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The congresswoman addressed the media Friday, just minutes before news of the arrest broke.

"It's devastating, deeply disturbing to have my name used in that way," she said. "This community will not stand for any attack on our democracy. We are not going to be knocked down by violence, and by vitriol, and by venom."

Sayoc faces up to 58 years in prison if convicted.