LAS VEGAS — A man who authorities believe was nearly killed by ricin was arrested Wednesday on federal charges that he possessed the deadly toxin as part of an “exotic idea,” never carried out, to poison his enemies.
Roger Bergendorff, who authorities allege began making ricin a decade ago, was arrested upon his release from the hospital where he had been treated since Feb. 14.
He is charged with possession of a biological toxin and two weapons offenses. He appeared Wednesday afternoon before a judge in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.
Authorities do not allege Bergendorff’s possession of ricin had anything to do with terrorism, according to court documents.
Over the course of several interviews with the FBI, “Bergendorff admitted that there have been people who have made him mad over the years and he had thoughts about causing them harm to the point of making some plans,” the complaint said. “However, he maintained that he never acted on those thoughts or plans.”
