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: Bizarre Crimes of the Week

The Mysterious Case of Roger Von Bergendorff

By David Lohr

On Friday, May 2, 2008, unemployed graphic designer and mystery man Roger Von Bergendorff, 57, pleaded not guilty to possession of a biological toxin, in this case, ricin.  He also pleaded not guilty to weapons charges.  Poisoned by the deadly substance that is derived from castor beans, Von Bergendorff has been in federal custody in Las Vegas, Nevada since his April 16 arrest following his prolonged recovery from the presumably accidental ricin exposure that occurred in his extended stay suite, only blocks from the Las Vegas Strip, on February 14, 2008.  A June 17, 2008 trial date has been scheduled.  If convicted of all of the alleged charges, Von Bergendorff could face 30 years behind bars and a $750,000 fine. When the story broke this past Valentine's Day, Von Bergendorff had placed an emergency call for assistance from his suite, complaining that he was having trouble breathing...continue to full post

Full post as published by Bizarre Crimes of the Week on May 20, 2008 (boomark / email).