Man Arrested on Chemical Weapons Charges
The Associated Press
October 26, 2004
A man who authorities say hated the federal government was charged with
attempting to acquire chemical weapons, explosives and weapons of mass destruction
with the intent to attack official buildings.
Demetrius "Van" Crocker, 39, was characterized by U.S. Attorney Terrell Harris
as having "hatred for the government, and anti-Semitic and racist views."
Crocker is accused of attempting to obtain sarin nerve gas and C-4 explosives,
according to a federal complaint filed Monday.
Crocker was arrested Monday after an undercover federal agent met him to
deliver fake explosives and what Crocker believed were ingredients for sarin,
considered one of the world's deadliest chemical agents.
His arrest ended a seven-month investigation.
Crocker was charged with attempting to obtain chemical weapons, attempting
to receive explosives in interstate commerce with the intent to damage and
destroy a building and real property, and receiving stolen explosives. He
faces more than 20 years in prison if convicted on all charges, and fines
totaling $750,000.