This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Posted: 10:54 AM- LAS VEGAS -- An unemployed graphic designer pleaded not guilty in federal court in Las Vegas to possession of a biological toxin and weapons charges.
Roger Bergendorff, a 57-year-old former Utahn, remained seated in a wheelchair and spoke only to answer brief questions Friday from U.S. District Magistrate Lawrence Leavitt, who set trial for June 17.
Bergendorff remains in federal custody after being arrested April 16. He had spent two months in a hospital with symptoms of ricin poisoning.
The charges carry a possible penalty of 30 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.
Investigators think Bergendorff made ricin for years while living in the San Diego, Reno and Salt Lake City areas before moving to Las Vegas.