A suburban Philadelphia man was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly sent a birthday card laced with ricin to a romantic rival.
Nicholas Todd Helman, 19, was arrested on Wednesday at his home on Byberry Street in Hatboro. It was the second time he had been arrested this month in connection to the ricin-laced card, according to law enforcement sources.
Back on March 7, Helman allegedly told his co-worker at a Target store in Warrington that he had sent a scratch-and-sniff birthday card laced with ricin to a man who was involved with his ex-girlfriend.
Ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans and could cause injury and even death if chewed, inhaled or swallowed. Helman allegedly told his co-worker that he rubbed ground castor beans onto the inside of the card before sending it to his intended victim's mailbox on Olive Street in Warminster.
Officials say Helman claimed the substance would kill anyone who came into contact with it within four days.
Helman's co-worker called police, and Helman was taken into custody.
Helman allegedly told police he coated the card with sodium hydroxide in an attempt to scare his ex-girlfriend so that they could reconcile their relationship. Helman also allegedly sent threatening messages to his ex and the new man she was involved with in November of last year, according to sources.
Helman was charged with harassment and later released on bail, according to the Bucks County District Attorney.
Sources tell NBC10 Philadelphia that investigators warned the intended victim and his family not to open their mail. They then removed the envelope from the home.
Investigators later tested the substance on the card and determined that it tested positive for ricin, according to the District Attorney.
A hazmat team, SWAT team, police officers and officials with the FBI returned to Helman's home on Wednesday. Helman was arrested once again and charged with attempted murder.
Stay with us for more details on this developing story.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Todd Helman
