(Annapolis, MD – March 22, 2005) The District Court for Garrett County in Oakland, Maryland was evacuated yesterday after a suspicious substance arrived in a letter opened by court staff.  District Court Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn announced today that the courthouse will remain closed until the test results are available.  

“Although we believe this incident to be a hoax, we have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of the public and our court personnel,” Judge Clyburn stated.  “We expect the test results late this afternoon and will release them to the public as soon as they are available.”

A similar incident occurred yesterday at the District Court for Worcester County in Snow Hill.  Local officials had a test kit on hand and determined the threat to be a hoax.  The courthouse was reopened after two hours.

Judge Clyburn explained, “As a general matter, when situations like this arise, the Judiciary cooperates with local officials and follows their emergency protocols.”