Las Vegas man sent to trial in Oklahoma explosives case

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Las Vegas photographer accused of travelling through Oklahoma with grenades, explosive powders and loaded guns in his vehicle will go to trial following a judge’s ruling.

Special Judge Lisa Hammond found sufficient evidence during a hearing Wednesday to try Scott Michael Boden, The Oklahoman reported. The 42-year-old is charged with manufacturing or possessing an explosive device and possession of an offensive weapon while committing a felony. Boden has pleaded not guilty.

He was arrested in May after Oklahoma City police discovered the items in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Boden told investigators he received the grenade bodies from a militia member in Michigan about eight years ago.

Defence attorney Don Jackson said there’s no evidence Boden planned to sell or manufacture explosives in Oklahoma County.

Assistant District Attorney Dan Pond argued that manufacturing is an ongoing act that involves all steps until completion.

“He has gone that step further and mixed those chemicals,” Pond said.

Boden has remained jailed since his arrest. He’s being held on $500,000 bond.

Prosecutors requested a higher bond amount because they were concerned Boden may have plotted to carry out a violent act.

Prosecutors told the judge that Boden was offered a plea deal of five years in prison followed by five years of probation. Jackson said Boden has rejected the offer.

The maximum punishment for each explosive device is 10 years in prison, prosecutors said.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com