Prosecutors contend three men hatched a plot straight out of a spy novel, scheming to kill President Clinton and other government officials with poison-drenched cactus needles.
Defense lawyers call the alleged scheme "cockamamie," claiming the defendants stand accused of a crime they never could have committed.Trial was scheduled to begin today for Johnie Wise, 72, Jack Abbott Grebe Jr., 43, and Oliver Dean Emigh, 63. The men, all members of the Republic of Texas separatist group, face charges of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. They could face life in prison if convicted.
Their scheme, investigators say, was to modify a Bic lighter to propel air instead of propane; coat a cactus needle with a biological agent like rabies, anthrax or botulism; insert the needle into the lighter; then shoot the needle at an unsuspecting victim.
The men, who were arrested in July, allegedly sent threatening e-mail to top government officials, including Clinton, Attorney General Janet Reno, FBI Director Louis Freeh and Texas Attorney General Dan Morales.
Court-appointed attorneys for the accused have denied the charges.