Man Accused of Sending White Powder to City Hall Pleads Not Guilty

A San Leandro man accused of sending envelopes filled with white powder to San Carlos and South San Francisco city halls earlier this year in separate incidents pleaded not guilty to felony charges for sending a false weapon with the intention to cause fear, prosecutors said.

Phillip Harold Adams Jr., 37, was held to answer on all charges during a superior court appearance on Wednesday.

A seven-months pregnant female who opened a legal-sized envelope Adams allegedly sent to San Carlos City Hall on June 20 was exposed to the powder on her hands and arms, District Attorney Stephen M. Wagstaffe said.

On July 5, two female employees opened a legal-sized letter sent to South San Francisco City Hall, Wagstaffe said. White powder got on their arms.

The white powder involved in both incidents turned out to be foot powder.

The envelopes had information identifying Adams, who Wagstaffe said is a San Leandro resident with mental health problems. Police traced him to the Golden Bear Hotel in Berkeley and found white foot powder in his room, Wagstaffe said.

If convicted, Adams could face up to a year in jail. He remains in custody on $100,000 bail and is scheduled for jury trial on Jan. 3.