Katy man arrested in terrorism case

Federal authorities have arrested a Katy man on charges that he plotted to blow up government buildings, rob banks and kill law enforcement officers.

Robert James Talbot Jr, 42, was arrested following an eight-month undercover investigation that took Joint Terrorism Task Force agents to the streets as well as the Web, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.

Talbot, originally of Batavia, N.Y., is due to appear before a federal magistrate Friday to be formally advised of the charges.

According to the affidavit, Talbot wanted to recruit five to six "like-minded individuals" to collaborate in his plots.

Talbot allegedly created Facebook page entitled "American Insurgent Movement," described as "a pre-constitutionalist community that offers those who seek true patriotism and are looking for absolute freedom by doing the will of God. Who want to restore America Pre-Constitutionally and look forward to stopping the regime with action by bloodshed."

In another posting, he wrote that his team was ready to go active for "Operation Liberty."

On March 22, according to the complaint, Talbot sent $500 as a down payment for explosive devices.

He also allegedly conducted surveillance of a Bank of America and followed an armored car, gathering information on how the guards exited the vehicle and whether it was dropping off or picking up bags.

On March 27, the complaint states, Talbot and others met at a Houston storage unit to plan an armored car robbery that morning. Talbot allegely provided detailed maps of the targets as well as escape routes. He allegedly placed two explosive devices made of C4 into his black backpack and threatened to place the backpack on an armored car.

The complaint states that he read a "manifesto" to the group: "We must rebel. There is no other option Blood and bullets are the only two things that will change the world, short of divine action."

Talbot was arrested while en route to the armored car robbery, the complaint states.

Source http://chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Katy-man-arrested-in-terrorism-case-5357016.php?cmpid=htx