MARQUETTE (AP) -- A Michigan man accused of buying and hiding more than 4,000 pounds of explosives with enough potential firepower to equal the Oklahoma City bombing has withdrawn his guilty plea in the case.
Records from U.S. District Court in Marquette show John Francis Lechner's request was granted Wednesday. The 64-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie is expected to face trial.
The Mining Journal of Marquette reported the development Friday. Lechner had earlier reached a deal with prosecutors. In exchange for his February plea to an explosives possession charge, four other counts were being dismissed. Lechner was arrested in September after an informant told Chippewa County sheriff's officials Lechner had requested help moving a large quantity of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.
Authorities did not accuse him of plotting to detonate the mixture.
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