YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Saying he's learned his lesson, former Warren City Auditor Anthony Natale is asking for probation and house arrest when he is sentenced for sending an envelope filled with white powder to a Boardman business.

Natale is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday in federal court on one count of conveying false information related to the use of a weapon of mass destruction.

The 37-year-old Warren resident pleaded guilty to the charge in June after sending an envelope containing the powder to American Business Center in November 2014, causing the Boardman Township business to evacuate and shut down for two days.

The powder, which turned out to be harmless, was accompanied by a letter that had been sent to Natale notifying him of his health care options following his dismissal from ABC the previous month.

Natale's attorney, Gerald Ingram has filed a sentencing memorandum with the court claiming that his client suffers from significant mental and emotional conditions.

Ingram cites a report from psychologist Dr. Joseph C. Edwards who found that Natale’s psychological symptoms “contributed to the impulsive actions toward his former employer.”

Ingram writes in his memorandum:

“As indicated in the report of Dr. Edwards, Mr. Natale lives in a relatively small, face-to-face community where he is under constant scrutiny by family, friends and the community. The Defendant resigned his position as auditor of the City of Warren just prior to entering his plea of guilty in this case. The Defendant was elected auditor of the city of Warren after the offense conduct. His election was the culmination of a lifelong dream. The charges herein, which predated his election, required that the defendant surrender his dream and resign his office. The resignation certainly constitutes a significant negative collateral consequence of the defendant’s behavior. The Defendant has been punished by his loss of standing in the community and the humiliation attendant therewith.”

Attorney Ingram says that Natale has learned from his mistake, has accepted responsibility for his actions and expressed genuine remorse. “If he could take back his foolish and immature actions, he would,” according to Ingram.

Saying that incarceration will add little deterrent effect and will exacerbate Natale’s psychological and emotional issues, Ingram asks the judge to sentence Natale to probation with home detention and participation in mental health treatment as a condition.

Natale ran unopposed for auditor last year, took office in January, then resigned the position in June before pleading guilty.

He remains under house arrest.

The defense memorandum is accompanied by letters of support for Natale which may read here.