Case continued for bomb plot suspect

NEW CUMBERLAND - A local resident accused of plotting to bomb Weir High School will have to wait until the spring to face charges after the case was continued in Hancock County Magistrate Court Monday.

Mark Mentzer, 19, arrested in September in connection with the alleged plot, attended a preliminary hearing concerning felony charges Monday before Magistrate Scott Hicks, who continued the case until March 22, 2010 after hearing from attorneys on both sides.

During the hearing, Mentzer's attorney, Fred Risovich, asked Hicks to continue the case stating he has not received additional statements needed to give his client due process. He said during that hearing the conduct of federal agents is making it difficult for him to gather information to use in his client's defense.

Risovich claimed during proceedings that the FBI agents and local police officials were instructing witnesses not to give statements to independent investigators for the defense.

"I think that that's contrary to the state and federal law and denies my client his right of due process," said Risovich.

Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Davis stated he heard nothing in reference to this claim and informed Risovich and Hicks no additional statements had been acquired since the previous hearing.

Risovich also said he believed the nighttime burglary charge should be treated as a separate matter. He stated it stemmed from an alleged incident that occurred prior to the threats against the school and was "nothing more than an attempt to get a search warrant."

Mentzer is charged with three additional felony charges including possessing explosive materials without a permit, making terrorist threats and prohibiting civil rights. A subsequent search of Mentzer's home in September reportedly uncovered weapons, racist writings, a map of the school and materials that could be used to construct a bomb.

Hicks granted the joint request by Davis and Risovich to continue the case until March 22, 2010. With the case continued, Mentzer could be indicted by a Hancock County grand jury no earlier than April. Risovich also noted Mentzer waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing during a prior court appearance.

Mentzer remains free on $100,000 bond, posted just hours after Circuit Judge Martin Gaughan, on Oct. 2, denied a bond reduction motion.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)