HASTINGS, Mich. — A Hastings man is being held on a $1 million cash bond after a ricin investigation forced residents from an apartment building and temporarily affected emergency room operations at a nearby hospital.
Joseph Jay Sheppard was arraigned Friday in Hastings District Court on a felony charge of unlawful possession or use of a harmful device causing property damage.
Hastings police began investigating a report of possible ricin contamination Sept. 10. The department called in the FBI because of the potential danger associated with the substance.
Local News
Ricin source identified as residents return to Tyden Lofts apartments
The Barry County Prosecutor’s Office alleges Sheppard possessed, transported, released and used ricin. Residents of the Tyden Lofts apartment buildings were evacuated over concerns about possible exposure.
Barry
Second- and third-floor residents to return to Tyden Lofts
The investigation also caused a temporary disruption at the Corewell Health Pennock Hospital emergency room, according to prosecutors.
The charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Sheppard is scheduled to return to court Sept. 29 for a pre-examination conference.
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