By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Former Flowery Branch woman who sent ricin gets 18 years in prison
Richardson sent toxic letters to president, then blamed husband
BC-US--Ricin Letters-Texas-ref
Wearing restraints, Shannon Guess Richardson is escorted out of the federal courthouse Wednesday, in Texarkana, Texas following formal sentencing. The actress, who sent ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and the New York mayor in 2013 then tried to blame the crime on her soon-to-be ex-husband, was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Wednesday. - photo by Evan Lewis
TEXARKANA, Texas — A former Flowery Branch resident who had minor acting roles in film and television was sentenced to 18 years in prison Wednesday for sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. A federal judge gave Shannon Guess Richardson, 36, the maximum sentence under her plea deal on a federal charge of possessing and producing a biological toxin. Richardson was also ordered to pay restitution of about $367,000.