Man Charged With Plotting To Blow Up Bank Fit For Trial: Judge

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Jerry Drake Varnell, the man accused of trying to detonate what he thought was an explosives-laden van outside a bank in Oklahoma City, was found mentally fit for trial. Varnell, 23, isn't suffering from a mental disease and can assist in his defense, U.S. Magistrate Judge Shon Erwin said on Tuesday. His ruling was based on results of a psychological evaluation conducted earlier this month.

Varnell's mental fitness was at the forefront of the case after his family noted his history of schizophrenia, The Oklahoman reported. Varnell went to numerous mental hospitals beginning at 16 years old, his family said.

A federal complaint alleges that the FBI learned in December that Varnell wanted to blow up a building and an undercover FBI agent posed as someone who could help. Investigators said Varnell initially wanted to blow up the Federal Reserve Building in Washington with a device similar to one used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Varnell has pleaded not guilty to a count of malicious attempted destruction of property used in and affecting interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and $250,000 fine.

Varnell remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. His trial is set to begin in January.

Photo credit: Oklahoma Department of Corrections via AP