LOS ANGELES
A La Crescenta man pleaded guilty Monday to trying to get ricin from an online source to use as a biological weapon, according to officials.
U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter sentenced Steve S. Kim, 41.
He admitted to one count of violating a criminal statute called prohibition with respect to biological weapons.
Over a two-month period late last year, Kim attempted to obtain ricin from what he thought was an online seller of ricin, but in fact was an undercover FBI operative.
During negotiations with the FBI operative, Kim stated that the ricin was intended for an individual who weighed 110 pounds, according to the plea agreement.
Kim subsequently agreed to pay 320 Euros (approximately $350) in bitcoin for the ricin.
The FBI concealed a substance purporting to be ricin inside another product, and the package was delivered on November 29, 2018 to Kim’s work address in Los Angeles.
That evening, Kim took the parcel home, accessed the fake ricin, and was immediately placed under arrest.
“Ricin is an incredibly dangerous biological toxin – just a few tiny grains can kill a human,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “Because it can be used as a weapon of mass destruction and there is no antidote for ricin poisoning, any attempt to acquire this deadly chemical agent is an extremely serious matter that will prompt a vigorous response.”
“The idea of intentionally using a biological agent to do harm shocks the conscience,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This case demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable actors who use or attempt to use weapons of mass destruction to carry out acts of terrorism or violence. This case also sends the message that the primary objective of the Joint Terrorism Task Force is to prevent an act before innocent people become victims.”
In his plea agreement, Kim admitted that he did not intend to use the ricin for a prophylactic, protective, bona fide research, or other peaceful purposes as required by law.
Judge Hatter is scheduled to sentence Kim on November 18. Kim is facing up to life in prison. However, he is expected to serve no more than seven years three months in prison, according to officials.
DOJ NOTED:
This matter was investigated by the FBI, which received assistance from the United States Postal Service.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Reema M. El-Amamy, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.