By: Las Vegas Now Staff
Roger Bergendorff was arrested on federal charges for ricin this morning after being released from the hospital where he had been treated since Feb. 14.
He is charged with possession of a biological toxin and two weapons charges stemming from materials authorities say were found in his room at Extended Stay of America Motel near Flamingo and Valley View.
The three charges carry a possible penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a $750,000 fine.
The discovery of the ricin launched a two state investigation. Metro's armor team and the National Guard recovered and identified the poison after one of Bergendorff's cousins discovered the items in the room Feb. 26.
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According to search warrants, police looked through not only the room, but Bergendorff's car. Officers were looking for any trace of ricin or the components to make it to see if the toxin was transported.
Nothing relating to ricin was found in the car, indicating it may have been made in the room at the motel. Metro actually went to the room twice — the first time on Feb. 26.
They were called by the property manager when she started the eviction process. Police found guns and four anarchist cookbooks with markers to the section for making ricin.
Metro was called back on Feb. 28. They then found ricin in all stages of production. Metro confiscated castor beans, which are used to create ricin. Police found powder in the beginning stage of making ricin and several vials of actual ricin.
On Sunday, March 2, FBI agents searched a Utah house as well as three storage units.
Outside of this investigation, we know one of Bergendorff's brothers and friends say he was down on his luck, had financial problems, recently had a death in the family and was battling depression, alcoholism and was out of work. Some years ago he had declared bankruptcy.
(Associated Press contributed to this report)
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