http://www.boston.com/dailynews/015/nation/Report_FBI_examines_Rutgers_ph:.shtml

Report: FBI examines Rutgers photocopiers for links to anthrax mailer

By Associated Press, 1/15/2002 11:31

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) FBI agents examined Rutgers University photocopying machines last week, looking for links to four anthrax-tainted letters mailed from New Jersey.

Richard H. Ebright, a protein biochemist at Rutgers' Waksman Institute of Microbiology, told The New York Times that agents tested every photocopier in Rutgers' microbiology buildings on Friday. That adds up to dozens of machines, including Ebright's own.

''The authorities clearly still are investigating possible university links,'' Ebright said.

Rutgers spokeswoman Sandra Lanman said Tuesday that she did not know of any investigation involving Rutgers, but ''the university's policy is not to comment on investigations by outside agencies.''

No anthrax research is conducted at Rutgers, Lanman said.

FBI officials in Washington would not comment on whether tests were conducted at other sites, but said the technique standard.

Experts say photocopiers leave subtle clues on paper that can narrow the search for where copying was done. The makeup of ink also can provide clues.

At least four anthrax-laced letters passed through a Trenton-area mail facility. Two, addressed to NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw and the New York Post, were postmarked Sept. 18. Two others were postmarked Oct. 9 and mailed to Sens. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

Letters to Brokaw and the newspaper appear to be copies, and all four have block lettering and use the date of 09-11-01.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2002

Answers

The makeup of ink also can provide clues.

hardly conclusive, since copiers don't use ink. They use toner.

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2002