Las Vegas ? An unemployed graphic designer who authorities say poisoned himself with ricin in his Las Vegas motel room pleaded guilty Monday to possessing a biological toxin.

Sitting in a wheelchair, Roger Bergendorff, 57, was told he could spend three years and a month in federal prison. He had been scheduled for trial Sept. 9 and could have faced up to 30 years in prison and $750,000 in fines if convicted.

Bergendorff pleaded guilty to possession of a biological toxin and possession of unregistered handgun silencers. A third charge of possession of firearms without serial numbers was dropped.