LOS ANGELES
Web Site Prompts FBI Arrest of Man on Explosives Charges
Inquiry: Sherman Oaks resident, 19, is accused of posting instructions on how to build, use weapons. By GREG KRIKORIAN TIMES STAFF WRITER
February 5 2002
FBI agents in New York City have arrested a Sherman Oaks teenager for allegedly using the Internet to distribute information on how to build a wide variety of explosive devices.
The arrest late Sunday of Sherman Martin Austin, 19, came two weeks after federal agents with a search warrant seized two partially constructed Molotov cocktails, a remote detonator and other items from Austin's residence, according to a federal affidavit.
The affidavit also alleges that Austin's Web site included instructions on how to make and use weapons ranging from slingshots and boomerangs to smoke bombs and fuel-fertilizer explosives. Austin's New York attorney could not be reached for comment, but his mother denied that her son had any involvement in making explosives or encouraging others to do so. "At this point in time, I don't want to make this a high-profile drama," she said.
"My son is innocent," she added. "These are bogus charges. He is a peaceful person. We are a peaceful family."
Austin's Web site, according to the affidavit, stated: "Many different weapons and tools can be used in street fighting. Make sure that you keep them clean of fingerprints, DNA fibers (hair follicles, etc.), especially explosives, because they may not always ignite."
Also on the Web site, the affidavit says, was the following message on how to "defeat" police tactics: "One would attack the poorly defended positions by hurling rocks and firebombs. Since regular police could not sustain that for any longer period of time, the riot police would have to come to their aid. Then the second group of protestors would attack the now much weakened main objectives and possibly seize them."
Federal authorities said Austin was in Manhattan last week to protest the World Economic Forum and was arrested by New York police Saturday for allegedly participating in an unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct.
A police search in New York of Austin's car, according to the affidavit, turned up electrical wiring, electrical tape, an empty gasoline container and anarchist literature.
After his release by New York police, FBI agents there took Austin into custody Sunday on a federal warrant that alleges he possessed a Molotov cocktail and used his Web site to post instructions on explosive devices with the intent that they would be used to commit federal crimes.
===== Kevin Dean Buffalo, NY ICQ: 8616001 http://www.yaysoft.com
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