A sentence of three years of supervised release in a secure mental health treatment facility has been recommended for a former continuing care retirement community resident who pleaded guilty Friday to possession of ricin.

Betty Miller, 70, was a resident of Wake Robin in Shelburne, VT, when she was arrested in December for possession of the deadly toxin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI at the time said Miller admitted to making the poison in her kitchen and testing it on fellow residents by putting it in their food and beverages. First responders had found a bottle labeled “ricin,” as well as plants that can be used to make toxins, in Miller’s apartment. No related serious illnesses or fatalities subsequently were reported.

Miller faced up to five years in prison, but her plea on Friday was part of an agreement that includes a binding sentencing recommendation of time served with a recommendation for three years of supervised release, including placement at a mental health treatment facility. The judge deferred acceptance of the plea agreement until a pre-sentence report is prepared. Sentencing is set for Sept. 6.

A representative for Wake Robin told McKnight’s Senior Living on Friday that the CCRC had no comment. Wake Robin President and CEO Patrick McKee previously had told McKnight’s Senior Living that the community had alerted local law enforcement upon hearing of the substance in Miller’s apartment and had “worked closely” with local, state and federal agencies as they investigated.