Warren auditor candidate gives DNA sample in hazmat probe

WARREN — A newly unsealed affidavit says the FBI took a DNA sample Monday from Warren auditor candidate Anthony J. Natale to determine whether Natale sent a powder to a former employer's address in Boardman in 2014 that led to a hazmat crew being deployed and an evacuation.

Natale, 36, provided the sample Monday morning, according to federal court documents.

The affidavit filed in U.S. District Court says investigators want to know if Natale’s DNA matches DNA collected in the Nov, 12, 2014 incident at the American Business Center, 7877 South Ave. Natale had formerly worked at ABC.

The affidavit says ABC received an envelope mailed through the U.S. Postal Service that was hand-addressed and contained health-insurance paperwork ABC had sent Natale.

It also contained a white powder which fell from the envelop and into an employee's lap, desk and floor in front of the desk, the affidavit said. The letter was signed in Natale's name.

The powder contained no pathogens or toxins, the affidavit said.

Natale defeated one challenger in the May Democratic primary to replace David Griffing as Warren auditor. He currently has no challenger in the general election.