Man indicted on federal ricin charges in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- A federal grand jury in Las Vegas has charged a man who was believed to have ricin poisoning with possessing the deadly toxin and weapons.

Tuesday's indictment against Roger Bergendorff lists three counts: possession of a biological toxin, possession of unregistered firearms and possession of firearms not identified by serial number. The charges carry a possible penalty of 30 years in federal prison.

The 57-year-old unemployed graphic designer has been jailed since last week when he was released from a hospital. He was treated after authorities found the toxin in his extended-stay motel room several blocks off the Las Vegas Strip in February.

Authorities allege Bergendorff made the ricin as part of a scheme to hurt unspecified enemies _ not a terrorist plot.