BOSTON – The Latest on the case of a man accused of putting devices resembling pipe bombs on high-voltage power lines (all times local):
4:45 p.m.
A Massachusetts man accused of putting incendiary devices resembling pipe bombs on high-voltage power lines has made his first appearance in court on a charge designated as a federal terrorism crime.
Chelmsford resident Danny Kelly had an initial appearance Monday. A magistrate judge ordered him held in federal custody, at least until a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Kelly was arrested Saturday, days after the devices were discovered when firefighters responded to a brush fire near National Grid power lines in Tyngsborough. He is charged with attempting to maliciously damage and destroy property used in interstate commerce and in an activity affecting interstate and foreign commerce by means of fire.
Authorities said Kelly left a note threatening to attack other utilities. He pleaded guilty to extortion more than a decade ago after authorities said he cut telephone and cable lines and threatened to cut more unless he received payment.
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10:15 a.m.
Federal authorities say a Massachusetts man accused of putting pipe bomb-like devices on high-voltage power lines left a note threatening to attack other utilities and to publish instructions on how to make similar devices on the Internet.
Danny Kelly, of Chelmsford, was arrested Saturday, days after firefighters responded to a brush fire near National Grid electric power lines in Tyngsborough. Kelly is due in court Monday.
An FBI affidavit says Kelly was charged more than a decade ago with cutting approximately 18 telephone and cable lines and threatening to cut more unless he received payment. He pleaded guilty to extortion.
The affidavit says Kelly left a note in Tyngsborough saying he is going to war and threatening attacks on critical infrastructure.
It could not immediately be determined if Kelly has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
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