Florida man charged with trying to blow up East Coast Target stores in conspiracy to kill the share price
AP
Mark Charles Barnett, 48, of Ocala, Florida, was charged with possession of a destructive device affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon, according to the US Department of Justice. He faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison.
Barnett paid a man $10,000 to plant at least 10 explosive devices disguised as food items on the shelves of Target stores along the East Coast, a federal complaint alleges.
He provided the man with the devices on February 9, along with a bag of gloves, a mask, and a license plate cover to disguise his identity, according to the complaint.
Barnett allegedly hoped the explosions would send Target's shares down, allowing him to buy the stock cheaply before an eventual rebound.
But his plot was foiled after the person he paid, who has not been identified, turned him in.
Federal authorities obtained the explosive devices and determined that they were strong enough to cause property damage and kill or inflict serious injury an anyone nearby.
Following a search of Barnett's home, authorities found explosives and battery sources consistent with those used in the home-made devices.
NOW WATCH: Doritos were originally Disneyland trash
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- Shubman Gill to play 100th IPL game as Gujarat locks horns with Delhi today
- Realme Narzo 70, Narzo 70X 5G smartphones launched in India starting at ₹11,999
- Indian housing sentiment index soars, Ahmedabad emerges as frontrunner
- 10 Best tourist places to visit in Ladakh in 2024
- Invest in disaster resilience today for safer tomorrow: PM Modi