Soldiers Denied Bond in Drug Scheme

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Soldiers Denied Bond in Drug Scheme
Atlanta Journal-Constitution | February 05, 2008

A federal judge on Feb. 4 denied bond to four Soldiers after finding evidence they had been prepared to commit "unspeakable acts of violence."

If the Soldiers' scheme to commit an armed robbery of a drug stash house were carried out, someone could have been killed, U.S. Magistrate Alan Baverman said. "The evidence shows they were ready, willing and able to do it," the judge said.

The four Soldiers -- three former ranger instructors and a staff sergeant at the Camp Frank D. Merrill mountain training facility in Dahlonega -- were arrested last month on drug conspiracy and weapons charges. They were ensnared in an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sting in which they were led to believe they were going to commit a commando-styled raid for at least 25 kilograms of cocaine.

When ATF agents made the arrest in Sandy Springs, three of the Soldiers were found with an assault rifle, pistols and 499 rounds of ammunition.

During the Feb. 4 bond hearing, Baverman heard testimony to see if the four men could be released pending trial. They likely would be transferred to Fort Benning, if released, he said. There, the Soldiers would have access to weapons, testified Lt. Col. Kyle Lear, commanding officer of Camp Merrill.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,161397,00.html