Militia Members Get Prison Terms Alleged Leader Of Viper Militia Gets Nine Years For Storing Bomb Components In His Basement

An Army veteran who accused the government of exaggerating his role as leader of the Viper Military “by 300 percent” was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday.

Two other members of the Phoenix-based paramilitary group received lesser prison terms.

Gary Bauer had faced a 100-year sentence for storing 400 pounds of ammonium nitrate in his basement. The fertilizer is a key component in bombs like the one used in Oklahoma City.

He received a lighter sentence because he pleaded guilty to all 11 counts against him, including conspiracy, weapons possession and instructing other members how to use explosives.

Before his sentencing, Bauer disputed the government’s portrayal of him as the group’s leader, saying his role was “probably overstated by 300 percent” because he’s a former Army officer.

U.S. District Court Judge Earl Carroll rejected Bauer’s claim, saying he “contributed substantially to their training exercises and their manufacturing and detonating of explosive devices.”

The judge also asked Bauer about the huge stash of guns, ammunition and ammonium nitrate seized from his home after he and 11 other militia members were arrested. Bauer said he was storing the ammonium nitrate as part of his research on rocket propellant.

Also sentenced Thursday were Finis Walker, 42, and Randy Nelson, both of whom received 5-year, 10-month prison terms after pleading guilty to conspiracy and weapons possession.