Las Vegas Ricin Man Pleads Guilty

A man who almost died from exposure to his own ricin, one of the deadliest toxins known, has pleaded guilty to possession of the poison, reports the Los Angeles Times. The unemployed graphic designer, 57, was found suffering from poisoning in February, and investigators discovered he had been making the toxin in his room at a Las Vegas motel. 

He appeared in court yesterday in a wheelchair, and admitted he made ricin on several occasions because he fantasized about harming people, calling it "an exotic idea." The charges carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison, but prosecutors have recommend a three-year sentence.  (More ricin stories.)