7/31/2007

3 Indicted Over Failed Attack At Burleson Church

BURLESON -- A federal grand jury indicted three teens Wednesday. The suspects are accused of attempting to ignite an explosive at a church in Burleson that was under construction.

Prosecutors in Dallas say all three suspects, 19-year-old Dayton Lee Calaway, 18-year-old Michael Philip Plaisted Jr., and 18-year-old Jered Michael Ragon, are from Burleson.

Each is charged with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

If convicted, the maximum penalty is ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Prosecutors say the suspects had a "Molotov cocktail" type device, but no one was hurt during their criminal attempt.

All three are expected to appear before a magistrate later this week.

Burleson Police Commander Chris Havens told the Cleburne Times-Review that the teens identified themselves as radical Christian activists who oppose government and organized religion.