The Birmingham News reports that two Pell City men were arrested for mailing eight letters containing white powder.

Clifton Lamar "Clifford" Dodd, 38, and Milstead Earl Darden, 38, of Montevallo, had an initial appearance today before a federal magistrate on charges of mailing hoax letters. Dodd is also suspected of mailing 17 letters containing white powder in March and April to authorities, inmates and politicians, including to U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby's Birmingham office.

Dodd remains in the Jefferson County jail pending a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Darden has been released on bond, according to U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance's office.