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KSL team coverage reportingCourt documents regarding a federal ricin investigation reveal materials for making the deadly toxin were found in a Riverton man's home and several storage units in West Jordan. That man, Tom Tholen, pleaded not guilty to a charge of misprison of felony today.
It's a charge we don't see very often, but according to the prosecution, Tom Tholen allegedly knew his cousin Roger Bergendorff was producing ricin and not only failed to report it, but attempted to cover up the crime. The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges Thomas Tholen deliberately misled federal agents, delaying the investigation by days.
It's an investigation that has led authorities from the lights of Las Vegas to a Utah suburb. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Huber said, "Ricin is one of the most toxic substances known to man."
It all started in mid-February when former Utah resident Roger Bergendorff fell extremely ill with what doctors believed was exposure to ricin. Eventually, authorities found weapons, anarchist literature and vials of the deadly toxin in his Las Vegas motel room.
Weeks later the focus turned the Riverton home of Bergendorff's cousin, Tom Tholen, and three storage units. "When authorities learned this may have been taking place, someone may have possessed it or produced it, everything dropped.. The world dropped to find out where it was. And every moment and day that there was a delay was a danger to the community," Huber said.
Bergendorff lived with Tholen and his family from 2005 to 2006. Court documents say the Utah search uncovered castor beans, grinders and blenders, protective gear and chemicals used in the production of ricin. Those items are thought to belong to Bergendorff, but there were also explosive materials found in Tholen's basement.
Tholen's attorney Greg Skordas says,"It had absolutely nothing to do with ricin production.. More to do with his [Tholen] prior military experience, and most of that stuff is 30-40 years old."
Prosecutors say Tholen knew his cousin was making ricin but attempted to mislead authorities. Tholen pleaded not guilty. "Tom was interviewed immediately after Roger became ill. He gave a statement to law enforcement, he cooperated with them, he cooperated with the search of his home, of his personal property. He's attempted to be cooperative throughout."
Huber says, "It's not a crime to not report a crime, but it is a crime to know about it, do nothing about it and do something to conceal it."
Tom Tholen was surrounded by family and his attorney as he came to court this morning. If he is convicted, he faces a $250,000 fine and up to three years in prison. Meanwhile, Bergendorff is in a Nevada jail on charges of possessing ricin.
E-mail: wjohnson@ksl.com
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
