Man indicted for ricin, gun possession

LAS VEGAS, April 23 (UPI) -- The man found to have the toxic substance ricin in his possession has been indicted by a grand jury in Las Vegas on charges related to the toxin and firearms.

The panel Tuesday returned a true bill in which Roger Von Bergendorff was charged with possession of the biological toxin derived from ground castor beans, possession of unregistered firearms and possession of firearms not identified with a serial number, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Wednesday.

Bergendorff, 57, appeared in federal court for the first time last week, but did not enter a plea. He was arrested the day he was discharged from the hospital where he was taken from his hotel room Feb. 14 after complaining he was unable to breathe.

While hospitalized, hotel employees entered his room, discovering the ricin and two weapons. During a search, law enforcement personnel found a vial and beaker of ricin, which officials said was enough to kill 522 people. Investigators also found a drawing of an "injection device disguised as a pen" in a storage space Bergendorff rented in Utah.

Federal authorities said they do not believe Bergendorff is a terrorist.

Bergendorff's arraignment, during which he will enter a plea, is scheduled for May 2.