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Utah militia man indicted by grand jury in bomb plot

Posted at 1:18 PM, Jul 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-06 15:18:06-04

SALT LAKE CITY — A Stockton man accused of plotting to blow up a federal building on the Utah-Arizona border has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

William Keebler, 57, was indicted Wednesday on charges of attempted damage to federal property by means of fire or explosive, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. During a brief court appearance, he pleaded not guilty and a trial date was scheduled for Sept. 12.

57-year-old William (Bill) Keebler

57-year-old William (Bill) Keebler

If convicted, Keebler faces as much as 10 years to life in prison.

Keebler is accused of attempting to bomb a BLM building in Mt. Trumbull, Ariz., and carrying guns during it. He was arrested after the FBI made a fake bomb for him in an undercover sting. Federal agents have claimed in court testimony that Keebler, the leader of the “Patriot’s Defense Force,” also conducted surveillance at a mosque and a Utah National Guard building as potential targets.

Supporters of the militia man have accused the FBI of setting him up.