Idaho professor denies guilt in hantavirus hoax

A University of Idaho history professor accused of mailing a hantavirus hoax to a federal bankruptcy trustee has pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

Thomas Francis Hale, 61, appeared in federal court in Salt Lake City on Wednesday to answer to a federal grand jury indictment charging him with making a false bankruptcy declaration, a false bankruptcy oath, concealment and perpetuating false information and a hoax.

He is accused of making false declarations during a bankruptcy proceeding. Last year, a fax was sent to a trustee warning about "Hazmat" that would be coming in an orange envelope. Days later, the envelope showed up with a note that said "Termites or hantavirus from mice?"

Hale is scheduled to go on trial in July.