Joseph Jay Sheppard of Hastings was arraigned in Hastings District Court on Friday in connection with the Ricin Exposure incident at Tyden Lofts Apartments over a week ago.

 

Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said Sheppard is charged with possessing: Harmful Devices-Unlawful Possession or Use Causing Property Damage.  It is a Felony charge carrying a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and/or a fine of $15,000.00 if convicted.  Bond was set at $1,000,000 cash.

 

A pre-exam conference has been set for September 29 at 10a.m. in Hastings District Court before Judge Michael Schipper.

 

On Thursday, September 10, Hastings Police began investigating a complaint involving Ricin contamination in the City of Hastings. Early in the investigation, Hastings Police began coordinating efforts with the FBI due to the potential danger involved with the harmful and potential deadly substance, Ricin. The investigation revealed that due to Mr. Sheppard’s alleged possession, release, transport and use of ricin, the 145 tenants of Tyden Lofts Apartments were evacuated from their homes due to the risk of potential exposure. Some of the first floor tenants were still waiting to be allowed back in their homes as of Friday.

 

The incident also resulted in the temporary disruption of operations at the Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Room.

 

Prosecutor Nakfoor Pratt said Mr. Sheppard is innocent until proven guilty. She thanked the Hastings City Police and the FBI who have worked tirelessly and around the clock to ensure a thorough investigation and said the investigation is ongoing.

 

On Friday the Barry Eaton Health Department posted an update saying that while the cleaning and remediation work continues, the public may notice a bleach or chemical odor in and around the building. Air monitoring is taking place and the odor does not mean a harmful level of a chemical is present.