Bishop Bomber Found Guilty

Tompkins, who represented himself during his trial, on Thursday, called himself to the stand and apologized for his shaky grasp of the law

Jurors have reached a verdict in the trial of a former Iowa letter carrier accused of sending dud pipe bombs to investment advisers.

John Tomkins has been found guilty on the first day of deliberations of sending the fake bombs through the mail to investment advisers. 

Tompkins, who represented himself during his trial, on Thursday,  called himself to the stand and apologized for his shaky grasp of the law. He delivered his own closing in the third person.

He admitted he sent threatening letters and fake bombs in a scheme to boost the values of stocks he owned. But he insisted he designed them so they wouldn't explode.

Tomkins is charged with mailing threatening communications, illegal possession of a destructive device and using a destructive device in connection with a crime of violence.

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Copyright AP - Associated Press
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