Two of the so-called "Geriatric Jihadists" received the maximum sentence for their role in plotting to blow up buildings and kill federal workers in downtown Atlanta.
Fred Thomas and Dan Roberts say they were only talking trash when a government informant secretly recorded their plans.
The two military veterans, one 73, the other 68 admitted in a plea bargain to buying explosives and a silencer from someone who turned out to be a federal agent.
Their stunning arrest made national headlines -- a frightening case of homegrown terrorism based largely on months of audio recordings made by Joe Sims, a confidential informant who was also part of the Georgia Militia.
Despite those secret recordings, Roberts and Thomas say they only wanted the C-4 and the silencer to protect Georgians in case our society collapsed or federal troops invaded. But U.S. District Judge Richard Story disagreed, saying it's one thing to talk about blowing up federal buildings, it's quite another to go out and buy a bomb.
In his sentencing on Wednesday, Story agreed with the government's position and gave the men the maximum punishment for the crime they admitted --five years.
The two men's families and attorneys put much of the blame on Sims -- an accused child molester who is still awaiting trial in South Carolina. He says he is not guilty. He never testified in this case.
"He was the one stirring the pot. Now I'm not saying but for Joe Sims none of this would have happened, but he was an important ingredient," said defense attorney Michael Trost.
Sims could still testify against the two remaining defendants. Sammy Crump and Ray Adams are scheduled to go to trial within the next six months.
They're accused of plotting to spread the deadly toxin ricin along major interstates in metro Atlanta.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:13:04 GMT
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the FTC has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off on its strong health claims.
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the Federal Trade Commission has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off some pretty strong health claims.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Thursday, June 13 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-06-13 19:29:22 GMT
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:36:50 GMT
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:07:42 GMT
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-06-12 10:59:03 GMT
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list.
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list. According to the I-Team, the list are schemes that have been around as long as the BBB, 100 years. The only thing different is the technology.
A former Atlanta police officer has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after prosecutors say he conspired to accept bribes and lied to FBI agents.
A former Atlanta police officer has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after prosecutors say he conspired to accept bribes and lied to FBI agents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:16 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:16:11 GMT
Music Midtown announced its 2013 lineup on Tuesday.
Music Midtown announced its 2013 lineup on Tuesday. The music festival, which is being held Sept. 20 and 21 at Piedmont Park, will include Journey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age, 2 Chainz and Jane's Addiction.
