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Lechner given prison time

MARQUETTE, MI--   A Chippewa County 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 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.  

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.