Militia leader who tried to bomb federal cabin released

Militia leader who tried to bomb federal cabin released

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah militia group leader who pleaded guilty to trying to blow up a federal cabin in Arizona is being released on time served after spending two years in jail.

Judge David Sam said Monday that 59-year-old William Keebler had been a model prisoner and noted his multiple physical ailments including prostate cancer and cardiac disease as reasons for not imprisoning him longer.

Keebler appeared calm as his sentence was handed down in a federal courtroom in downtown Salt Lake City.

U.S. Attorney John Huber said he was satisfied with the sentencing and hoped it would deter others from attacking federal facilities.

Keebler pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to destroy federal property in April.

He came under investigation after spending two weeks with Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy during his armed 2014 standoff over grazing fees.