Former Marine Corps Veteran and Ex-Militiamember Charged with Trying to Manufacture Ricin, Remanded in Custody Awaiting Trial

Russell Vane, a former Marine Corps veteran and ex-member of Virginia Kekoas militia, has been ordered by a judge to remain in custody pending trial on charges he attempted to manufacture ricin, a highly toxic biological substance. The 42-year-old from Vienna, Virginia was arrested two weeks ago after authorities searched his home following reports that the militia had cut ties with Vane due to concerns over his discussions regarding homemade explosives being viewed as excessive by group members. Inquiries about Vane led federal investigators to search his property where they discovered traces of ricin along with castor beans, which are used in its production, and lab equipment located within a laundry room shared by himself, wife, and two young children. The FBI affidavit revealed that agents found a plastic bag containing castor seeds together with an outline on how to extract the lethal compound from them. Ricin tests subsequently confirmed its presence at Vane’s residence as well as an “Apocalypse Checklist” detailing steps required for rapid evacuation of his home in times of crisis, according to court records. During a detention hearing last Friday before U.S District Judge Anthony Trenga, Vane’s defence counsel urged him be allowed home confinement whilst he awaited trial as the government had “wildly overcharged this offense” and that there was no evidence suggesting his client posed any threat to others. However, prosecutors argued that given the potential risk associated with ricin- even in unfinished form – it warranted imprisonment ahead of the court date. Trenga ultimately agreed with the latter’s assessment stating he could not fathom how a mere explanation as innocent was available when one takes into consideration attempting to make lethal poison, regardless of its toxicity level. The judge also questioned whether Vane might pose an escape risk due to recent attempts by him to legally change his name in Fairfax County court and post fake online obituaries for himself; evidence that the prosecution introduced during proceedings. Nonetheless, defence counsel suggested these actions were a ploy designed to distance Vane from militia ties given growing suspicions amongst its members concerning the veteran’s conversations relating to explosives as homemade weapons of mass destruction.