Crime & Safety
Mendota Heights 'Domestic Terrorist' Pleads Guilty
Joseph Benjamin Thomas could face life in prison for possession of meth.
A Mendota Heights man pleaded guilty Wednesday to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of high-purity methamphetamine in a case related to a federal investigation of white supremacist activity.
Joseph Benjamin Thomas, 42, and an accused accomplice, Samuel Johnson of Austin, 31, were indicted in April. Johnson was indicted on weapons charges.
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According to reports by the Associated Press, the men had gathered weapons and planned to bomb the Mexican consulate in St. Paul.
In a federal affidavit, Thomas allegedly told an undercover FBI agent that he considered himself a "domestic terrorist," according to the Associated Press.
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Thomas faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison without parole.
A sentencing date has not been set. To receive updates, sign up for our daily newsletter.
See Also:
White supremacist Sam Johnson, subject of 2009 BSP interview, named in federal affidavit (Bluestem Prairie)
Affidavit: 2 men with supremacist ties had weapons
APNewsBreak: Minn. man targeted Mexican consulate (Huffington Post)
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