Federal prosecutors filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing a Valley Center woman of sending a threatening letter to a physician who is considering opening an abortion practice in Wichita.
The lawsuit said the letter that Angel Dillard wrote in January was an effort to intimidate physician Mila Means.
"You will be checking under your car everyday — because maybe today is the day someone places an explosive under it," the letter said in part.
The lawsuit, which was filed under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, said no abortions have been performed in Wichita since George Tiller was shot to death in 2009. It said Means is training to become an abortion provider.
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The letter, a copy of which was attached to the lawsuit, said in part, "Thousands of people are already looking into your background, not just in Wichita, but from all over the U.S. They will know your habits and routines. They know where you shop, who your friends are, what you drive, where you live."
"People will be picketing your home, your office. You will come under greater scrutiny than you've ever known, legally and professionally.... I urge you to think very carefully about the choices you are making."
Prosecutors said the letter caused Means "to undertake numerous security measures." The letter was postmarked Jan. 18 and sent to Means' office on East Harry.
In filing the lawsuit, prosecutors are seeking an order that would prohibit Dillard "and any others acting in concert or participation with her" from coming within 250 feet of Means, her car or her home.
The lawsuit seeks $5,000 in compensatory damages for Means and asks for a civil penalty of $15,000 against Dillard.
Dillard did not respond to a telephone message left Thursday at her home.
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