Trial set for July for two accused of planning attack on Baltimore power grid
A federal judge set a date in early July for the trial of a Catonsville woman and Florida man accused of planning an attack on Baltimore’s power grid last year.
Sarah Beth Clendaniel, of Catonsville, and Brandon Clint Russell, of Orlando, Florida, were charged with conspiracy to attack a Baltimore power grid. Their trial will begin July 8, according to online court documents.
The Baltimore Sun previously reported Cledaniel and Russell plotted to shoot and destroy multiple electrical substations in the Baltimore region to further their extremist, violent, racial and ethnic beliefs.
Damaging an electrical substation could cause power outages that would affect hospitals, businesses and homes. Russell and Clendaniel, 34, had been planning to attack Maryland substations since June.
Russell, 27, is the founder of a neo-Nazi group, and Cledaniel was previously sentenced to five years in prison for attempted armed robbery with a butcher knife.
Additionally, Russell and Cledaniel were in a personal and online relationship.
Clendaniel plotted to secure a rifle for the attack on five electrical substations, including Baltimore Gas and Electric substations in Norrisville, Reistertown and Perry Hall. Russell shared maps of the energy facilities and discussed how to inflict maximum chaos on the power grid by attacking several substations at once.
Clendaniel and Russell face a maximum sentence of 20 years for conspiracy to damage an energy facility.
Their attorneys could not be be reached for comment.
