Judge gives 4-year sentence in UP explosives case

MARQUETTE (AP) -- An Upper Peninsula man convicted of illegally transporting and storing explosive materials has been sentenced to more than four years in prison. John Lechner is a farmer and builder from Sault Ste. Marie and was convicted in June. He wasn't charged with plotting to blow up the mixture. But in a recorded conversation, he told an informant that he'd become a mercenary "when the people decide to take the government back." Lechner was sentenced to four years, three months in prison during an appearance last Thursday in Marquette federal court. Co-defendant Ken Kassab of Brimley was acquitted of illegally transporting fuel oil and ammonium nitrate and another charge. He'd struck a plea deal with the government but changed his mind and decided to go to trial. Published: Tue, Dec 4, 2012