FILE – This file photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections shows Jerry Varnell, of Sayre, Okla. Prosecutors have rested their case in the federal trial of Varnell, accused of trying to detonate what he believed was an explosives-laden van outside an Oklahoma City bank. Varnell has pleaded not guilty and his parents have said he is a paranoid schizophrenic who has been in several mental hospitals. Defense attorneys say he was entrapped. Varnell has been found mentally competent to stand trial. (Oklahoma Department of Corrections via AP, File)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Latest on the trial of a man accused of planning to detonate what he believed was an explosive device outside an Oklahoma City bank (all times local):
5 p.m.
A man accused of trying to detonate what he believed was an explosives-laden van outside an Oklahoma City bank has been found guilty by a federal jury.
Jurors on Monday convicted 24-year-old Jerry Drake Varnell of attempted use of an explosive device and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.
Prosecutors alleged Varnell planned to detonate what he thought was a half-ton (450-kilogram) vehicle bomb on Aug. 12, 2017. The FBI learned of the plan and an undercover agent posing as someone who could help construct the device provided inert materials.
Varnell’s attorneys claimed he was entrapped and his parents say he suffers from mental health issues.
No sentencing date was set. Varnell faces up to life in prison for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.
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1 p.m.
Prosecutors have rested their case in the federal trial of a man accused of trying to detonate what he believed was an explosives-laden van outside an Oklahoma City bank.
The trial of Jerry Drake Varnell of Sayre resumed Monday with defense attorneys scheduled to call a psychologist.
Varnell has pleaded not guilty and his parents have said he is a paranoid schizophrenic who has been in several mental hospitals. Defense attorneys say he was entrapped.
Varnell has been found mentally competent to stand trial.
Authorities allege that Varnell planned to detonate what he thought was a half-ton (450-kilogram) vehicle bomb on Aug. 12, 2017. The FBI learned of the plan and an undercover agent posing as someone who could help construct the device provided inert materials.
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