Johnson County prosecutors hoping for federal charges in domestic terrorism case
GREENWOOD, Ind (WISH) — The man accused of plotting a domestic terrorism act is now behind bars, but Johnson County prosecutors are concerned that he won’t be there long enough. They’re limited to what charges they can file. That’s why they’ve handed over the case for federal review.
Police pulled over 31-year-old Christopher Byrne on August 15, they say for not wearing a seat belt and a taillight was out. But what they say they found inside the vehicle, was much more serious; a 10-22 rifle with 100 rounds of ammunition with a scope and silencer and water bottles. Some were filled with bleach, others with ammonia.
“What would a person be doing with these items together? There is really only one conclusion, he was up to no good. Something bad was going to happen,” said Deputy Prosecutor Rob Seet.
Seet believes Byrne was plotting some kind of terrorism plot. He says it could’ve been aimed at shoppers at the mall, or maybe even directed law enforcement. Seet says Byrne claimed to be a sovereign national, who has ill feelings toward police and government.
But, the only offense prosecutors can charge Byrne with at the state level is being a habitual traffic violator, and that’s why they involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“They’re taking a look at the case as recently as this morning. They’ve requested and received evidence from me that we collected in our investigation,” he said.
Much of that evidence has to do with Byrne’s criminal past. Prosecutors say Byrne was convicted of theft in Marion County a year ago, after investigators found stolen police equipment in his apartment. Among the items recovered, police say they found an AR-15 rifle that was stolen from a Greenwood Police officer’s cruiser. That car was later set on fire.
“You add it all up and it just equals something that we should be troubled by and look into,” warned Seet.
At the time of his August 15 arrest, Byrne was set to go on trial for previous charges of carrying a handgun without a license while being a convicted felon, as well as another habitual traffic violator charge. He pleaded guilty to those charges on August 22 and therefore will not go on trial. Seet says he could receive anywhere between one to six years behind bars.
Now, federal prosecutors will decide if he faces charges in connection to his most recent arrest.
“For the safety of our community, we just thought it was important that they take a hard look at this,” said Seet.
Seet is hoping for federal charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition, and possession of a homemade suppressor. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years on those charges. Additionally, once evidence is reviewed, they’re hoping for some kind of domestic terrorism charge. Seet didn’t go into what additional evidence would be reviewed.
WISH TV reached out to both Byrne and his attorney. At this time neither wanted to comment.
