Woman charged with stalking Tony Stewart after being denied autograph

A Florida woman has been charged with stalking and harassing Tony Stewart and his family for more than a year over an autograph snub.

Kathi Russell, 68, was arrested Tuesday on felony charges of stalking, terroristic mischief, and intimidation after allegedly leaving threatening messages for Stewart, his mother, and sister beginning in March 2016, according to Jordan Fischer of RTV6 in Indianapolis.

Russell told a DEA agent that she began harassing Stewart because he ignored her after she repeatedly tried to get him to sign a piece of memorabilia for her at a racing event.

Stewart's mother obtained a protection order against Russell, but the harassment continued.

In September, investigators allege that Russell sent an envelope filled with an unknown white powdery substance to an Indianapolis law firm after it sent her a notice that she violated the protective order. The firm's downtown building was evacuated over fear the substance was anthrax, but it was eventually determined to be baking soda.

Russell is also accused of calling Stewart's sponsors, members of the media, and other NASCAR drivers with anonymous "tips" about him.

A spokesman for Stewart declined to make a statement, saying he wants to "let the legal process run its course."