2 Alabama men sentenced to prison in militia case

BIRMINGHAM (AP) — A federal judge sentenced two men to prison Wednesday for their roles in a group that prosecutors described as an anti-government militia that stockpiled weapons in northeast Alabama.

Raymond Kirk Dillard, 46, of Collinsville was sentenced to almost six years in prison, and Bonnell Hughes, 57, of Crossville will serve two years in prison.

Each man pleaded guilty to conspiring to make explosives.

The two were among six men who admitted being part of a group that authorities said called themselves the "Free Militia" and stockpiled scores of hand grenades and about 2,500 rounds of ammunition.

The men denied that their group had a name. They said they were worried about terrorism, a failing economy and the possibility of martial law.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Email This Page