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United States: FBI Defends Actions in Arrest of Ricin Suspect The FBI yesterday defended its actions in searching the home of Kenneth Olsen on suspicions that he was attempting to develop the lethal toxin ricin. Olsen told investigators that he was researching explosives and poisons online for a Boy Scout project, according to court documents (see GSN, June 21). The FBI used several field agents and specialists trained to handle weapons of mass destruction as they searched Olsen’s home, according to the Associated Press. Media reports early yesterday said the FBI was searching for biological weapons, AP reported. Olsen’s attorney John Clark said he did not understand why the FBI had made such a big deal about the case since it has known about the basic details since last August. “My client doesn’t know al-Qaeda from Alcoa,” he said. The FBI’s actions were justified because ricin is one of the most toxic known substances, said FBI spokesman Ray Lauer. The bureau needed to have specialists trained to handle hazardous materials, bombs and to gather evidence available for use, he added. “It’s not an overkill,” Lauer said. “This was standard operating procedure. It’s extremely toxic and will kill us if handled incorrectly.” Olsen was arrested yesterday and held without bail on possession of a toxin to use as a weapon, AP reported. If he is found guilty, Olsen could face a maximum sentence of life in prison at a $250,000 fine. The FBI has alleged Olsen planned to poison his wife with the ricin. Carol Olsen, however, said she never felt that her husband planned to harm her. “I know that Ken never had any plans to murder me as the government claims,” she said in a statement. “Our marriage is strong. We’ve had some problems in the past we’ve resolved through hard work and prayer” (Nicholas Geranios, Associated Press, June 21).
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