AWOL soldier to be sentenced in Fort Hood plot

[August 10, 2012]  WACO, Texas (AP) -- A federal judge will try again to sentence an AWOL soldier convicted of planning to blow up a Texas restaurant full of Fort Hood soldiers.

Army Pfc. Naser Jason Abdo faces up to life in prison. He has said he will represent himself in court at his Friday sentencing in Waco.

The original hearing set for Thursday afternoon was postponed after Abdo requested more time to prepare.

The 22-year-old Abdo said during an earlier hearing that he and his attorneys weren't communicating effectively. He was convicted in May on six federal charges, including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.

Abdo was absent without leave from Fort Campbell, Ky., when he was arrested last summer at a Fort Hood-area motel. Bomb-making materials were found in the room.

[Associated Press]

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