Two Sandy 18-year-olds charged in connection with a series of bombings - one that destroyed a police car - will have to wait until Friday before learning if they will be released from a federal halfway house.
James Robert Jeppson, 10288 S. Weeping Willow Drive, and Lee Breck Taylor, 10444 S. Clearview Drive, appeared Monday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Ronald Boyce on a custody hearing. But Boyce told attorneys for both men that he wants to see more detailed reports.As to Taylor, Boyce noted "a certain lack of mental stability in his background" and ordered the completion of a psychological report before deciding whether or not to release him.
As to Jeppson, Boyce was concerned that the existing report was inadequate and did not address other incidents of vandalism unrelated to this case, including the breaking of about 100 windows.
"We want to make sure we are not tossing him back in the briar patch," Boyce said.
Both men will appear Friday at 4 p.m. for arraignment on the federal charges, the setting of a preliminary hearing date and a re-evaluation of their custody status.
Both men were charged last week with possession of an unregistered destructive device and aiding and abetting. A federal grand jury is considering additional charges, which will also be presented Friday.
Police have been seeking bombers since an April 18 explosion destroyed a marked sheriff's car. The same individuals are believed responsible for a series of pipe bombs at two banks, an apartment complex, a school and other locations.
A note left at the scene of the car bombing contained warnings and quotes from Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" and was addressed to "government law enforcers PIGS." The note also contained references to a feud between clans in Scotland.
Two weeks ago, the warnings were repeated.