An Illinois man has been charged with federal crimes after mailing letters containing a white substance to four members of Congress this month - an act he says was inspired by the recent wave of suspicious packages sent to dozens of lawmakers and election officials nationwide. Because nothing says "I'm a comedian" like replicating a bioterror scare.

Matthew Unglesbee, 37, faces one count of false information and hoaxes and one count of mailing threatening communications, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday. He made his initial appearance in federal court via video Monday afternoon, presumably without a hazmat suit.

The affidavit states that FBI personnel responded to three congressional members' offices in the Northern District of Illinois last Wednesday after receiving an anonymous tip. Letters containing a "white granular substance" - later determined to be salt - were found along with handwritten notes reading "HA HA." A fourth envelope turned up at a U.S. senator's office with the message: "HAH enjoy the gift." Truly the Shakespeare of our time.

The envelopes identified Unglesbee as the sender and included his home address, the FBI said - a bold strategy for anyone hoping to remain anonymous, but a real gift for investigators.

Court documents indicate Unglesbee told FBI agents Sunday that he sent the letters. He claimed he was "joking" but knew it could be perceived as a threat. The document states he said he chose salt because it "kind of looks like" anthrax, which he knew recipients took seriously and would have "hazmat come in white suits." So, to recap: he knew exactly why it would be terrifying, and did it anyway. That's not a prank; that's a prank with a federal indictment attached.

A fifth unmailed, empty envelope addressed to a congressional office in D.C. was also found during a search of Unglesbee's home, according to the documents. Perhaps he ran out of salt, or maybe just ran out of inspiration.

Dozens of congressional offices from both parties have reported receiving mail containing an unknown white powder in recent weeks, prompting a federal investigation. Unglesbee has denied any involvement in those other incidents - because apparently even he has limits.

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