NYC man pleads not guilty to trying to get ricin; prosecutors say he sought 'easy death pills'

NEW YORK – Prosecutors say a Manhattan man's computer bears evidence that he tried to acquire the deadly poison ricin (RY'-sihn).

They say Cheng Le exchanged emails with an undercover FBI employee and said he wanted to market "simple and easy death pills."

The 21-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty Friday in Manhattan federal court to charges of attempting to acquire and distribute ricin and committing postal fraud.

Le was arrested Dec. 23.

A defense lawyer said the case is likely to go to trial. It's scheduled to start Aug. 3.