College student to stand trial on ricin possession

By: Associated Press//November 24, 2014//

Listen to this article

Kyle Allen Smith. The 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student was charged Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 in federal court with possessing the deadly toxin ricin. (AP Photo/Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department) — Kyle Smith (AP Photo/Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department)

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student accused of possessing the deadly toxin ricin has been ordered to stand trial.

A federal judge in Green Bay ruled Monday there’s enough evidence against 21-year-old Kyle Smith to move forward with his case.

WLUK-TV reports prosecutors argued Smith admitted he knew what he was making and shouldn’t have been doing it. No lab equipment was found in his off-campus home.

Defense attorney William Kerner said Smith never intended to use ricin for harm anyone. Kerner also said the powder found in Smith’s home was castor bean meal, which contains the highly toxic protein ricin. He said the substance falls under different laws and regulations throughout the country.

Smith was ordered to remain behind bars.

Information from: WLUK-TV, http://www.fox11online.com

Select Region or Brand

Upcoming Event