2 men accused of plotting to shoot at immigrants are convicted of
attempting to kill federal agents
Send a link to a friend
 [November 09, 2024]
By JOHN HANNA
Two men who co-founded a militia group have been convicted of attempting
to murder federal agents ahead of a planned trip to the Texas-Mexico
border to shoot at immigrants illegally crossing there and any federal
agents who might try to stop them.
A jury at the U.S. District Court in the Missouri state capital of
Jefferson City found Jonathan S. O'Dell, 34, of Warshaw, Missouri, and
Bryan C. Perry, 39, of Clarksville, Tennessee, guilty of more than 30
felony counts each, the chief federal prosecutor for western Missouri,
Teresa Moore, announced Friday. The convictions Thursday came after
jurors deliberated for more than two hours.
O'Dell's attorney, Jonathan Truesdale, declined comment, but Perry's
attorney, Thomas Kirsch, said his client plans to appeal the verdict.
Kirsch said Perry is disappointed in the verdict but said he is grateful
for jurors' dedication and the opportunity to exercise “his fundamental
right” of trial by jury.
“My client has a deep love and passion for our country and the values it
stands for and what the Constitution stands for, including his right to
a trial by jury,” Kirsch said.
A sentencing date for either man has not yet been set. They both face at
least 10 years in prison, and possibly life.
Perry also pled guilty to three charges, including escaping from federal
custody. Held for trial in a county jail in Rolla, Missouri, he escaped
in September 2023 but was captured two days later and about 160 miles
(258 kilometers) to the northwest, outside Kansas City, following a
high-speed chase.
[to top of second column]
|
The two men formed the 2nd Amendment Militia and then in the summer
and fall of 2022 tried recruit others to join them, prosecutors
said. In September 2022, O'Dell's home about 100 miles (161
kilometers) became a staging site as the two men collected firearms,
ammunition, paramilitary gear and other supplies, according to the
government's evidence.
Prosecutors said Perry posted a TikTok video in September saying
that their militia group was going to “go protect this country,” and
another in early October saying the group would be “out huntin'.”
Prosecutors said the two men viewed U.S. Border Patrol agents as
traitors for allowing immigrants to cross into Texas.
The day before they planned to leave for Texas, an FBI team using an
armored vehicle served a search warrant on O'Dell's home, and
prosecutors said Perry fired 11 rifle shots at them. O'Dell and his
girlfriend surrendered, but after exiting the house, Perry fought
with agents.
The charges against the two men also included using a firearm in a
violent crime, illegal gun possession and damaging federal property.
Perry couldn't legally have a gun because in 2004, he pled guilty in
Tennessee to a felony aggravated robbery charge and served about
four years in prison, according to online records.
___
Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas.
All contents © copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
