An Arizona inmate and his wife have been indicted on state terrorism charges, according to a news release from Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
Authorities say Thomas Orville Bastian and Michelle Marie Bastian are accused of acting together while plotting to commit an act of terrorism at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis.
Brnovich says it is alleged the couple conspired to construct and set off an explosive device within the prison facility.
Thomas Bastian has been charged with 4 felony counts including Terrorism, Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism, Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism Involving Weapons, and Conspiracy to Promote Prison Contraband.
Michelle Bastian has been charged with 5 felony counts including Terrorism, Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism, Conspiracy to Commit Misconduct Involving Weapons, Conspiracy to Promote Prison Contraband, and Promoting Prison Contraband.
Brnovich says the indictment is the result of an investigation by the Phoenix Field Office of the FBI, the Arizona Department of Corrections, and the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
“Homegrown terror attacks are being planned in our communities, our cities, and our state,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in the news release. "The Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the FBI will continue to work together to arrest and prosecute anyone plotting or planning a terrorist attack.”
