A Florida man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing ricin. The substance is known as a biological toxin that kills the body’s ability to make protein. Kevin Deane Jones (50) was also charged with possessing two guns as a convicted felon.
Florida Man Gets 10 Years for Possessing Ricin and Firearms as a Convicted Felon
From court documents, on December 6, 2021 the FBI was informed that Jones had manufactured ricin and planned to use it on his ex. An investigation found that he had purchased everything required to make ricin and tested out water guns to find the right one to use.
Also on that date, the ATF spoke with Jones about his possession of firearms as a convicted felon. He handed over several guns and ammunition he had in a storage unit. In total, 3,000 rounds of ammo, a rifle, a pistol, and a silencer were seized.
Jones’ plan was to shoot his ex in the face with the ricin-loaded water gun and go on vacation so that he had an alibi. Authorities were notified of Jones’ movements on December 17 when he drove into Althea state where his ex lives. He was cut off by police and admitted to manufacturing ricin.
When they searched his vehicle, authorities found a water gun and five tubes filled with ricin. At his residence, police seized more ricin, castor beans, documents related to ricin, and 200 rounds of ammo.
Kevin Deane Jones pleaded guilty to federal charges on May 10, 2022. Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez said of the sentencing:
“We appreciate the efforts of our partners in federal law enforcement for helping to bring Mr. Jones to justice. He is a dangerous individual who put not only the victim, but the community at risk. He deserves to be in prison for a long time.”
