Marine veteran to continue detention on accusations of attempting to produce ricin

A Marine Corps veteran and former militia member, Russell Vane, was ordered to remain in jail pending trial on charges of attempting to make ricin, a biological toxin. Vane was arrested after authorities found traces of ricin, lab equipment, and castor beans in his Virginia home that he shares with his wife and two children. The Virginia Kekoas militia had cut ties with Vane due to concerns about his loose talk of homemade explosives, prompting a federal investigation. An FBI affidavit revealed that agents found a plastic bag of castor beans and a recipe for extracting ricin in his home, leading to his arrest.

During a detention hearing, Vane’s lawyer argued that the government had overcharged him and urged for his release on home confinement. The defense claimed there was no evidence that Vane had threatened anyone and that it would be nearly impossible for someone to effectively manufacture ricin for use as a lethal weapon. However, the judge sided with prosecutors who argued that Vane posed a potential danger to the community and should remain in custody. The judge questioned Vane’s intentions, pointing out that there was no innocent reason for him to be attempting to manufacture ricin.

The judge also raised concerns about Vane potentially being a flight risk, citing evidence that he had recently tried to legally change his name and posted a fake obituary of himself online. Vane’s lawyer suggested that these actions were an attempt to distance himself from his militia connections, but the judge remained unconvinced. The government’s evidence of Vane’s efforts to change his identity raised doubts about his intentions and his willingness to comply with legal proceedings, leading to the decision to keep him in jail.

The presence of ricin and an “Apocalypse Checklist” outlining evacuations with provisions in Vane’s home added to the suspicion surrounding his actions. Despite the defense’s arguments that Vane did not pose a threat and could not effectively manufacture ricin, the judge ultimately decided that he should be detained pending trial. The case highlights the potential dangers of individuals attempting to create harmful substances in their homes and the importance of ensuring public safety in such situations. Vane’s connections to a militia group and his attempts to change his identity further contributed to the judge’s decision to keep him in custody.