September 28, 2011 - A man from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan was in U.S. District Court in Marquette Thursday "on charges of possessing explosives," reports the Marquette Mining Journal. "John Francis Lechner, 64, has been charged with possessing explosives while under indictment on other charges, a 10-year felony." Lechner is also accused of making threats of violence against the U.S. government. He is being held without bond.Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco agents arrested Lechner and charged him with possession of 4,150 pounds of explosives contained in 83 bags. "According to an affidavit from a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives," says the Marquette Mining Journal report, "the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department received a call from a confidential informant that Lechner allegedly had a large amount of ammonium nitrate/fuel oil mix. The affidavit states the informant, who was cooperating with law enforcement and wearing surveillance equipment, allegedly helped Lechner hide the material at a location in Dafter."
Talking Points Memo is reporting that a complaint from ATF Special Agent Timothy DeClaire, on September 20, said that "a confidential informant contacted the Chippewa County Undersheriff Michael Bitnar, and described how Lechner allegedly said he had 'a large quantity of ammonium nitrate/fuel oil mix,' or ANFO, and that he needed help moving it.... Lechner also allegedly said that he had detonating cord, blasting caps ad boosters."
The informant reportedly wore a wire while he helped Lechner move the explosives. At one point, the informant asked Lechner what he planned to do with the ANFO. Lechner's alleged response was, "When the government takes over, we will be mercenaries."
(AP Photo/Marquette County Sheriffs Department)
