A Washington man has been arrested following a nearly three-week investigation into threatening and misleading emails directed at an auto sales business near Fort Branch.

Authorities say the investigation began September 12, when the business received messages from an encrypted overseas email service. The emails mentioned a specific vehicle on the property and alleged that it had previously contained drugs. Later messages claimed that an explosive device had been placed in the vehicle.

Deputies and a K9 unit inspected the vehicle, a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on September 15 but found no drugs. The Indiana State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team later examined the vehicle on September 30 and found no tampering or explosives.

Investigators traced the emails to Daviess County and identified 67-year-old Raymond Gossett of Washington as a suspect. On October 2, a search warrant was executed at his home with the assistance of Washington Police and the Daviess County SWAT unit.

Gossett admitted to sending the emails and was taken to the Gibson County Detention Center. He has been charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony.