Man charged in church bombing plot found competent to stand trial
BY SHIELA STOGSDILL World Correspondent
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
MIAMI, Okla. — An Illinois man charged with planning to destroy 48 Ottawa County churches was found competent Tuesday to stand trial, a prosecutor said.
Gregory Arthur Weiler II, 23, of Elk Grove Village, Ill., appeared in Ottawa County District Court for a post competency evaluation hearing on Tuesday. He is charged with possession of an explosive or incendiary device and violation of the Oklahoma Anti-Terrorism Act.
“The criminal case will resume,” said Becky Baird, assistant district attorney.
Family members have said Weiler suffers from mental illness and both of his parents suffered from drug use and committed suicide, according to published reports.
Baird said Weiler’s competency evaluation is sealed.
A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 7.
Weiler is accused of having handwritten notes in his motel room at the Miami Legacy Inn & Suite, which listed 48 churches in Ottawa County and how to make Molotov cocktails, according to an arrest affidavit.
A motel maintenance man found outside in the motel’s Dumpster a green military duffel bag that held 50 apparent Molotov cocktails inside and other explosive related material and items.
Weiler remains in the Ottawa County jail without bail.
Associated Images:
Gregory Weiler
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