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Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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Biotoxin Charges Added to Former Publicist's Plate

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) – Federal prosecutors added an additional count of possessing a weaponized biological toxin against Ryan Kelly Chamberlain, a publicist who worked on current California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s San Francisco mayoral campaign.     Chamberlain, 49, was arrested on June 2, 2014 after a three-day FBI manhunt. Records of lethal poisons purchased on the dark web and shipped to Chamberlain prompted FBI officials to raid Chamberlain’s apartment after several weeks of surveillance.     Agents also seized a poison called abrin, found in rosemary pea seeds, as well as plastic vials and flashlights that he allegedly used to conceal it.     Chamberlain has already been charged with and pleaded not guilty to possessing an unregistered destructive device and a handgun with no serial number. The second superseding indictment no longer includes the charge of possession of a destructive device, but still lists the gun charges.     Chamberlain remains in custody and is set to be arraigned on the latest indictment Monday.**

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