Bucks teen held in ricin case waives hearing
A suburban Philadelphia teenager charged with sending a romantic rival a greeting card laced with the deadly poison ricin has waived his preliminary hearing.That means criminal charges against 19-year-old Nicholas Helman of Warminster are automatically forwarded to Bucks County Court.
Prosecutor Antonetta Stancu said at Thursday’s brief hearing that more charges could be filed against Helman should his case result in a trial and not a guilty plea.
Helman’s attorney declined to comment.
The teen was charged in March with delivering a ricin-laced greeting card to the home of his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend.
Two days later, investigators found a container of leftover ricin they allege Helman stashed near his home.
Helman is facing charges including attempted murder and risking a catastrophe. He’s being held without bail.
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