Hugo D. Driscoll Blog: Who Is Daniel G? A New Suspect Emerges

Last week we reported on an evolving mystery out of Portland, Oregon, where multiple coffee companies had received the same handwritten complaint letter requesting a replacement for “stale” coffee. But quickly we learned this was not just a Portland phenomenon—first dozens, and now more than 100 brands have contacted Sprudge over the last week, having received their very own identical Daniel G. letters from the same name and address in Nevada.

You’ve graciously sent us photos of your letters, from coffee brands big and small, in urban metropoles and rural hamlets alike. We’ve been deluged with clues, red herrings, false leads, and no shortage of what appear to be legit customer service complaints and requests for refund misidentified as Daniel G. communications. Sleuthing is currently underway behind the scenes to establish more information about the sender, to confirm their identity, and to shed light on the truth behind this mystery, one of the great coffee grifts of all-time.

Today we need your help.

While we’re currently tracking a suspect (or suspects) to an address in Las Vegas, another possibility has emerged over the last few days, tied to a chain of letters sent out from a different Nevada address—and with a different name attached. This new suspect made our hair stand on end. We have reason to suspect they may be connected to the person or persons responsible for the Daniel G. letters.

Here’s one of the letters, sent from Reno, NV by a new suspect we’re calling Person T:

If Person T is indeed connected to the massive set of Daniel G. letters, this would be a bombshell new development, one with implications stretching several years. Person T has lead us to investigate a disturbing set of truths behind who, exactly, is sending these letters, and why.

The letter above bears some connection with the Daniel G. letters but also carries with it several discrepancies. This is far from a home run—we are not claiming definite knowledge or certainty that the letters are connected. But we’re sharing this with you today to see if others have received letters in the style of Person T over the last decade, and to request those who have to get in touch with us immediately.

Here’s another letter from Person T:

Connected? Random? An early example of what would go on to become Daniel G.? Here’s a quick outline as we see it:

Connections

1. Similar MO — both letter writers are sending hand-written, unrequested mailings to specialty coffee companies around the country over the last half-decade. The earliest Person T letter we’ve seen dates to 2013. The earliest confirmed Daniel G. letter dates to 2016.

2. Odd grammar — both letters include unusual uses of punctuation and grammar.

3. “Sincerely” — both letters end with a handwritten “Sincerely,” sign-off.

4. Nevada — both letters were sent from a return address in Nevada.

5. Return letter stickers — both sets of letters include pre-printed “return letter” stickers, of a similar make and style, in place of a handwritten address on the envelope.

6. Block address — both sets of letters include handwritten block addresses within the body of text.

7. Lined paper — both letters are sent on blue-lined notebook paper of a similar style.

8. No digital footprint — both letters contain absolutely no information about how to contact the sender aside from a return address. No email, no phone number, no social media handles, and no website.

Discrepancies

1. Handwriting — a cursory view of the handwriting between each letter seems to suggest that it’s not an exact match. We’re following up with a handwriting expert this week to learn more.

2. Different address — Person T is writing from Reno, while Daniel G is writing from Las Vegas, more than 400 miles away.

3. Different request — Person T is simply requesting a sale sheet; Daniel G. demands replacement coffee and an explanation.

4. Letter variation — the Person T letters we’ve seen so far all differ slightly—some are multiple paragraphs, others are just two sentences. Daniel G.’s emails are all of an identical link and style.

So far only a few coffee companies have checked in with letters from Person T, but we have reason to believe there could be many more letters of a similar style sent all over the United States, dating back to as early as 2013. We’re keeping those coffee brands anonymous for now because the more we learn about Person T, the more we uncover disturbing information tied to their name—and past convicted crimes.

Here are a few more of these letters from Person T:

Have you seen letters like this before? At any point in the last decade were you contacted via mail with a handwritten letter asking for a “sell sheet” or “toll-free” number? Does this jog your memory, ring bells, or remind you of something you’ve received before? Get in touch with us. We have reasons to believe this could be connected with the saga of Daniel G.

More news as it develops this week, only on Sprudge.