Shannon Rogers Richardson, 35, was arrested and charged with mailing a threatening communication to the president Friday in a Texas courthouse. Authorities believe Richardson sent the letters, which allegedly contained the poison ricin, from Shreveport, Texas last month.
Ricin is a potentially fatal poison. It is distilled from the castor plant and converted to powder. It can poison a person through the skin, but is deadliest when it is inhaled.
On Wednesday, people in hazmat suits were seen going in and out of Richardson's home in nearby New Boston, about 150 miles northeast of Dallas near the Arkansas and Oklahoma borders. The search was initiated after Richardson contacted the FBI and implicated her husband, Nathaniel Richardson.
Richardson reportedly told FBI agents her husband had sent the letters but officials questioned her credibility after interviewing her. John Delk, who represents her husband Nathaniel Richardson, says they believe she was trying to set him up. Nathaniel had recently filed for divorce.
"There are a lot of factors I'm aware of that indicate (Nathaniel Richardson) was set up in this deal by her," said Delk.
The 35-year-old actress has had minor roles in TV series, including "The Walking Dead" and "The Vampire Diaries."
Richardson could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.
