Anthrax probe leads to ex-researcher

WASHINGTON -- FBI and Postal Service agents wearing protective gloves conducted a second search Thursday at the apartment of a former Army researcher considered a "person of interest" in the investigation of last year's deadly anthrax mailings.

The FBI gained a search warrant to look inside Steven J. Hatfill's residence at Detrick Plaza Apartments in Frederick, Md., according to two U.S. government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Hatfill consented to the first FBI search on June 25 and no warrant was needed.

Federal agents also searched trash bins outside Hatfill's apartment and a self-storage unit in Ocala, Fla., that Hatfill used, one official said. The unit also was searched in June.

It was unclear whether the FBI contacted Hatfill before gaining the warrant to search his home.

FBI Director Robert Mueller declined to say why a second search was conducted.

"We're making progress in the case but I can't comment on ongoing aspects of the investigation," he said.

Hatfill, 48, was not questioned and no arrests in the case are imminent, a government official said. Hatfill is not a suspect and no physical evidence links him to the letters, law enforcement officials said.