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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Jan. 28, 2008
WICHITA MAN CONVICTED OF APARTMENT BOMBING
WICHITA,KAN. – A federal jury Tuesday found a Wichita man guilty of bombing a south Wichita apartment building.
Daniel Collins, 18, was convicted on one count of setting off explosives that damaged the Kingsborough Apartments at 2732 S. Seneca. He was acquitted on two other counts: bombing another building and stealing explosives.
Collins was arrested along with Antonio J. Ray and Nathan L. Gunter when police stopped their car on Aug. 17, 2007, after a series of explosions in Wichita.
Evidence presented at trial showed:
– Gunter drove the car while Collins and Ray placed the bombs.
– At 2732 S. Seneca, Collins and Ray placed a lighted explosive device in an entry way to the apartments.
– The explosion caused an estimated $126,129 damage to the building.
Sentencing is set for April. Collins faces a penalty of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Gunter and Ray both pleaded guilty to two counts of arson by means of explosives. They are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren commended the Wichita Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
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