Clearfield County man pleads guilty to distributing explosives
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Perry Landis admitted that he sold illegal electric blasting caps to undercover police officers.
But he denied that his cabin in rural Clearfield County was a meeting place for militia members, instead saying he used it as a hunting camp.
Mr. Landis yesterday pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of distributing explosive materials. He will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terrence F. McVerry on Sept. 11.
Mr. Landis could face anywhere from six to 24 months in prison based on the recommended sentencing guidelines range. The defense contends the high end of the sentence should only be 12 months, while the prosecution believes Mr. Landis should be sentenced consecutively for each of the two counts for a potential 24-month term.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Picking, Mr. Landis was under investigation, along with several others who expressed anti-government sentiment, by the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police. The investigation, which began in May 2005, led to several militia groups that operated under the umbrella organization Pennsylvania Citizens Militia. Ms. Picking said that Mr. Landis was part of the Brookville Tigers Militia and that the cabin was used for meetings. Undercover officers who infiltrated the group bought blasting caps from Mr. Landis for $2 each in September 2007 and March 2008.
Mr. Landis is one of five defendants charged with related crimes.
First Published June 2, 2009 12:00 am
