SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah militia group leader accused of trying to blow up a federally owned cabin in Arizona failed in his latest attempt to be let out of jail pending trial.
U.S. District Judge David Sam ruled Thursday that there is overwhelming evidence that William Keebler committed a crime of violence and should not be released.
The decision came during a hearing in which prosecutors played a secretly recorded video of Keebler talking about his plans to go on the offensive and strike back by damaging government buildings and vehicles.
Federal prosecutor Andrew Choate argued Keebler has a deep hatred of the federal government and is a danger to the community, especially U.S. Bureau of Land Management employees.
Defense attorney Lynn Donaldson says Keebler is not dangerous, but a tough talker whose many comments should be discounted. He accused undercover FBI agents of baiting Keebler into setting off the fake explosive in June.