Trial set for man accused of stealing oil patch explosives

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A man accused of storing stolen explosives, guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his Williston home is scheduled to stand trial this fall on five charges that could land him in federal prison for 50 years.

Attorneys for Tyler Porter earlier this month entered not guilty pleas on his behalf, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Miller scheduled a three-day trial to begin Aug. 1. The defense this week asked for more time to prepare, and U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland moved the trial to Oct. 4 in federal court in Bismarck.

Neil Fulton, head of the federal public defender's office for the Dakotas, said no decision has been made on whether the defense might seek a plea agreement with prosecutors.

"We will investigate and discuss the case with (Porter) before making any decisions about how to proceed," Fulton said.

Read more: http://www.willistonherald.com/news/trial-set-for-man-accused-of-stealing-oil-patch-explosives/article_69d8e88c-5074-11e6-b001-a7822988233b.html