Inmate Sentenced for Courthouse Threat in Miami
Alvin Martin Few received a federal prison term for mailing a threatening letter containing powder.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Criminal Justice
U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger sentenced 62-year-old inmate Alvin Martin Few to five years and eleven months in federal prison for mailing a threatening letter to the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami. The letter contained a white powder labeled as fatal, which was later determined by lab testing to be benign.
Why it matters
The sentencing addresses a security incident involving threatening communications sent to a federal institution. It ensures additional penalties for the defendant, who is already serving a state life sentence.
Alvin Martin Few pleaded guilty to mailing threatening communications on July 14, 2026. He is now sentenced to five years and eleven months in federal prison, to be served consecutively to his existing state life sentence.
The players
Alvin Martin Few
He is a 62-year-old inmate currently serving a state life sentence who was convicted for mailing a threatening letter to a federal courthouse.
Wendy W. Berger
She is the U.S. District Judge who presided over the case and issued the federal sentence for the defendant.
Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
Located in Miami, this federal judicial facility was the recipient of the threatening communication containing white powder.
The details
The inmate mailed a letter to the courthouse containing the phrase all judges die and a substance labeled as very fatal. Although a clerk was exposed to the powder upon opening the letter, subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the material was benign.
Timeline
July 14, 2026: Alvin Martin Few pleaded guilty to threatening communications.
October 27, 2026: The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the sentencing of the inmate.
Legal Context
This case follows established protocols for prosecuting threats sent through the mail to government facilities under federal law. It reflects the judiciary's commitment to maintaining courthouse security and prosecuting individuals who use intimidation tactics against public officials.
The case highlights enhanced security protocols at federal facilities for handling suspicious mail. Residents and court visitors should be aware that such threats trigger immediate hazardous material responses and federal investigations.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates that threats made against judicial officials are prosecuted as serious federal crimes regardless of the materials used. Individuals must understand that sending even benign substances in a threatening context carries significant legal consequences.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit Criminal Justice.
