Cleveland bomb plot: 5 now face weapon-of-mass-destruction charge

The five men accused of plotting to blow up a bridge near Cleveland have been indicted, federal officials announced Thursday. The men also face a new charge -- attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction to destroy property in interstate commerce.

The indictment, filed with the court Thursday, was announced by U.S. Atty. Steven Dettelbach. All five men have also been charged with conspiracy and attempted use of an explosive device to destroy property in interstate commerce.

The new charge means that, if convicted, the men could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The five are accused of plotting to bomb the bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park at Brecksville, south of downtown Cleveland. Officials say the men are anarchists who wanted to send a political message in time for May Day, which celebrates workers and progressive causes.

Those charged are: Douglas L. Wright, 26, Brandon L. Baxter, 20, Connor C. Stevens, 20, Joshua S. Stafford, 23, and Anthony Hayne, 35.

The men have been in jail since they were arrested Monday.

A hearing is scheduled for federal court in Cleveland on Monday.

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michael.muskal@latimes.com