Three Gaston County men were charged Monday with making weapons to use against the United States.
Three Gaston County men are accused of collecting and constructing weapons to potentially use against the United States.
Walter Eugene Litteral, 50, Christopher James Barker, 41, both of Gastonia, and Christopher Todd Campbell, 30, of Mount Holly, were arrested Saturday and appeared in federal court in Charlotte Monday.
The men believed that the government intended to use the armed forces to impose martial law and they planned to resist with violent force, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Live grenades
Charges stem from information investigators received on or about June 18.
Litteral and Barker were allegedly attempting to manufacture explosive or destructive devices.
Days later, investigators say they received information that Campbell was reconstructing live grenades from “dummy grenades” which are sold legally as military artifacts.
Prepping for attack
Court documents say that Litterral had been purchasing numerous pieces of military equipment in preparation for the possible attack.
His alleged shopping list included ammunition for a .338-caliber rifle, handheld radios with throat microphones for communication, military-issue Kevlar helmets, body armor vests and protective headgear designed to expose only parts of the face.
Testing in Shelby
Investigators allege that Litteral and Campbell wanted to manufacture destructive devices such as pipe bombs and grenades, and they possessed some of the needed components.
According to investigators, Barker provided Litteral with pipe fittings which are needed to manufacture pipe bombs.
Litteral allegedly wanted to test the destructive devices in Shelby with Barker at his side.
Litteral said, “It is going to be great,” according to court documents.
Firearms for a felon
Litteral is accused of trying to purchase a firearm and ammunition for Barker.
According to court records, Litteral filled out the required form with his own information, even though the gun was intended for Barker. Using his own debit card, Barker allegedly purchased ammunition and a large-capacity magazine for the gun.
Barker is a convicted felon which prohibits him from purchasing or possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Next day in court
Criminal complaints against the men were filed in late July 2015 and remained sealed Monday afternoon.
The men had their initial court appearances Monday and will remain in federal custody until their next hearings Thursday.
The trio is charged with conspiracy to violate laws governing firearms and explosive devices.
Campbell is also charged with receiving, possessing and making a firearm – which definition includes a destructive device.
Federal investigators raided a business in Belmont and homes in Gastonia and Mount Holly during the investigation Saturday.
Poster Comment:
A bunch of dumbass, tinfoil-hat rednecks.
