East Cleveland: Convicted terrorist indicted for possession of biological weapon
An East Cleveland man previously convicted in a 2012 bridge-bomb plot has been indicted on new federal charges alleging he possessed ricin, a biological toxin that can kill people, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced.
A federal grand jury has indicted 34-year-old Brandon L. Baxter of East Cleveland, accusing him of possessing the deadly toxin ricin. pic.twitter.com/hap7jzSoLm
— Cleveland's 43 (@Clevelands43) October 3, 2026
A federal grand jury indicted Brandon L. Baxter, 34, on charges of possessing a biological toxin with respect to biological weapons as a restricted person.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer and FBI Cleveland Division Special Agent in Charge Joshua DelManzo announced the indictment on Oct. 2.
“According to allegations in the indictment, Baxter was knowingly in possession of a biological agent, ricin, which is known to be lethal to humans,” the office said. Prosecutors did not say how much ricin was involved, how it was found, or whether anyone was exposed.
Baxter, however, is a restricted person under federal law due to his 2012 terrorism conviction. The office said he “was previously convicted for being part of a terrorist collective that attempted to detonate explosives at the base of the Route 82 bridge in Macedonia, Ohio in 2012.” That status bars him from possessing certain biological agents and toxins.
The FBI Cleveland Division is investigating the new case, with help from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and the East Cleveland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duncan T. Brown is leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio, along with Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the Justice Department’s National Security Division Counterterrorism Section.
Baxter is expected to appear for arraignment on Oct. 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg in Cleveland.
“The sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses, and the characteristics of the violations,” the office said.
If convicted, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on the two counts combined.
