JOHNSTOWN — A Clearfield County man either conspired to make explosive devices to blow up government agents or was himself wrongly targeted by overzealous authorities to justify a militia investigation.
These were the opposing theories offered Monday as the federal trial of Bradley T. Kahle, 62, of Troutville, on an explosives count began. He is accused of possessing the parts to make 16 homemade bombs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Picking told the jury in opening remarks in U.S. District Court in Johnstown, “It was not Mr. Kahle’s intention to use these in a Fourth of July salute.
“Mr. Kahle’s intention was one thing only: To injure, kill and maim.”
Defense attorney Blair Hindman of Clarion countered to jurors, “A brown paper bag of firecrackers, that’s what they were. That’s what they were.”
Kahle allegedly said the explosives would be used “if a revolution comes.”
Hindman said undercover agents of the state police repeatedly tried to get Kahle to make a “bean-can grenade” and that he repeatedly turned them down.
Prosecutors said having the components for such a device – even if not assembled – is a crime.
The bean-can grenades use shrapnel such as washers, tacks or nails combined with an explosive charge.
Picking’s first witness was state police Trooper William Ray, who had been working several years undercover infiltrating militia groups before Kahle’s home was raided in July 2008.
Ray said his undercover identity was as a fellow named “Blue,” the leader of a small militia group who traveled installing cell towers. He said his investigation turned up Kahle’s name and he sought out Kahle to mentor his group.
“It started out as a pro-active investigation to infiltrate domestic terror groups,” Ray said.
In a tape from February 2007 at Kahle’s house and played for the jury, Kahle is heard speaking of the homemade bombs. He called the explosives they used M-1000s.
“You make ’em when the time is right,” he said on the tape, when the government comes to get you.
Kahle didn’t get dressed up for the occasion Monday. He wore a nylon VFW jacket over a brown plaid shirt, and occasionally he leaned over to confer with Hindman.
Kahle was ensnared in a three-year investigation by the Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force. Four others also were charged in June 2008.
Undercover agents infiltrated the 91st Warrior and Brookville Tiger militias in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Morgan Jones, 65, of Clarion County, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to selling firearms without a license. The others arrested were Melissa Huet, 34, and Marvin E. Hall, 49, both of Clarion County, and Perry Landis, 62, of Sabula, Clearfield County.
Kahle’s trial – expected to last four days – will pick up again at 9 a.m. today.
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