Militia Member Gets 9-Year Prison Term

An Army veteran who accused the government of exaggerating his role as leader of the Viper Militia was sentenced to nine years in prison. Two other members of the Phoenix-based paramilitary group received lesser prison terms. Gary Bauer had faced a 100-year sentence for storing 400 pounds of ammonium nitrate, a key component in bombs like the one used in Oklahoma City. He received a lighter sentence because he pleaded guilty to all 11 counts against him. Before his sentencing, Bauer disputed the government’s portrayal of him as the group’s leader, saying his role was “probably overstated by 300 percent” because he’s a former Army officer. U.S. District Court Judge Earl Carroll rejected Bauer’s claim.