February 12, 2019
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Sayre man charged with trying to detonate what he thought was a 1,000-pound bomb outside an Oklahoma City bank is standing trial in federal court.
Jury selection begins Tuesday in the trial of Jerry Varnell, who pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted use of an explosive device and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.
Prosecutors say Varnell planned to detonate a vehicle bomb Aug. 12, 2017, but the FBI learned of the plan and an undercover agent posing as someone who could help construct the device provided inert materials.
Defense attorneys argue that Varnell was entrapped.
The judge has prohibited prosecutors from showing jurors a video of a similar bomb exploding, but will allow photos and testimony about the potential damage it could cause.
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