SALT LAKE CITY -- A Utah man pleaded not guilty to federal charges in the ricin investigation, which began in Las Vegas when the toxic poison ricin was found in his cousin's hotel room.

Federal officials began an investigation into the poison's creation and how it came to Las Vegas, which led to the arrest of the Utah man.

Thomas Tholen was in a Salt Lake City court Tuesday.

He is accused of knowing that his cousin, Roger Bergendorff, was producing the dangerous toxin ricin and failed to report it.

Bergendorff was hospitalized for two months with what police suspect was ricin poisoning.

He's charged with possessing a biological toxin.