GREENBELT, Md. — The U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant accused of plotting a terror attack pleaded not guilty to drug and firearms charges.
In federal court on Monday, Christopher Hasson, 49, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of silencers, possession of firearms by a drug addict and unlawful user, and possession of a controlled substance.
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Hasson was arrested on February 15. Even though the government has called him a "domestic terrorist," Hasson is not facing any terrorism-related charges.
A legal expert told WMAR-2 News Mallory Sofastaii that this is a "clean indictment," meaning the fight won't necessarily be over the charges but rather sentencing.
If convicted, Hasson could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years for each of the three firearms charges and one year for possession of Tramadol, a controlled substance.
When Liz Oyer, his public defender, was asked whether she plans to appeal his detention status, she declined to comment.
Last month, FBI Baltimore and Coast Guard Investigative Service agents found 15 guns and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition in Hasson's Silver Spring home.
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In addition to the items found in his home, Hasson is believed to have made a list of targets for planned attacks. The targets included media personalities and Democratic Congressional leaders.
Investigators also found deleted draft emails in Hasson's account that demonstrated extremist views. In one of the letters, Hasson refers to himself as a "long time White Nationalist" dating back 30 years.
