The charges against the Sells include: extortion affecting interstate commerce (18 U.S.C. § 1951); mailing a threatening communication to injure an individual (18 U.S.C. § 876(c)); and mailing a threatening communication to injure the property and business of an individual (18 U.S.C. § 876(d)). These charges are outlined in the Criminal Complaint which is attached to this press release and filed as public record in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville.

In summary, the Complaint alleges that between September 25, 2008 and October 25, 2008, William (Bill) Sell and Jeffery Wayne Sell used the U.S. Postal Service to mail threatening communications to Barton Keener Mount, President of Maymeade Corporation, Mountain City, Tennessee, demanding Mount give them $70,000 or harm would come to Mount, his family, his business, and his property. At the time of the threats, Maymeade Corporation was conducting business in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, and therefore, the threats interfered with interstate commerce.

The next scheduled court appearance is a detention hearing, scheduled for October 30, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., in United States District Court in Greeneville, before the Honorable Dennis H. Inman, United States Magistrate Judge.

In addition to the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and FBI, the United States Postal Service also assisted in the investigation.

Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

For additional information, please contact United States Attorney Russ Dedrick, 865-545-4167, AUSA Robert M. Reeves, 423-639-6759, or Public Information Officer Sharry Dedman-Beard, 865-545-4167.