BANGOR – The man believed to have masterminded the plot to smuggle a Saudi Arabian chicken virus into the United States so a Winslow research lab could make a vaccine to combat it pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy in federal court.

Veterinarian Mark A. Dekich, 51, of Clinton, N.C., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to smuggle and make false statements in U.S. District Court in Bangor.

He was released on the promise that he return for sentencing and stay in touch with his attorney, Joseph H. Groff III of Portland.

A sentencing date has not been set. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The veterinarian is the eighth person to be indicted in connection with the case. A nationally recognized researcher, four former executives of Maine Biological Laboratories in Winslow and two former lab workers have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from the scheme.