A former legislative clerk has been sentenced to more than a year in prison after he admitted to writing a threatening letter to a state lawmaker and bringing a white powder to the Capitol.

U. S. Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel says 28-year-old Michael Dekota McRae was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison for writing the letter in 2012 to his boss, Democratic Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad. McRae pleaded guilty in December to conveying false information concerning a biological weapon.

The letter contained racial slurs and threats to kill both McRae and Abdul-Samad. An envelope with white powder, later determined to be harmless, led to a Capitol lockdown.

The letter was opened during House debate on "Stand Your Ground" legislation. VanderSchel says McRae protested the legislation days earlier at a rally.