OGDEN — Dallin Todd Morgan was sentenced to 105 days in Weber County Jail on Thursday for his role in a bomb plot at Roy High School.
Morgan, 18, pleaded no contest to second-degree criminal mischief as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. He was initially charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction, which is a first-degree felony punishable by five years to life in prison.
Second District Judge Michael Lyon ordered Morgan to begin serving his jail term Tuesday.
Morgan did not make a statement about the bomb plot in court. Family members and supporters attempted to shield him from the media as he entered and left the packed courtroom.
Morgan pleaded no contest to reduced charges because he felt a trial would be too risky, his attorney, Brenda Beaton, said during Thursday’s hearing.
In addition to a jail sentence, Morgan also received 18 months’ probation and a $500 fine. However, he may only have to serve a year of probation if he obtains a waiver allowing him to enlist in the military.
If Morgan successfully completes probation, the conviction on his criminal record will be reduced to a Class A misdemeanor, said Deputy Weber County Attorney Dean Saunders.
Morgan and Joshua Kyler Hoggan, now 17, according to the allegations, planned to detonate a bomb at a Roy High student assembly, steal an airplane at Ogden-Hinckley Airport and flee the country.
Details emerged in January of the suspected plot. Roy High School officials were alerted by a student and contacted police.
Hoggan was sentenced in April to a minimum of six months in a juvenile facility as part of a plea agreement.
Hoggan played a more significant role in the plot than Morgan, said Saunders.
It’s fortunate authorities uncovered the plot early and it remains unknown if the bombing would have actually been carried out, Saunders said.
“It’s a serious thing,” he added.
A probable cause affidavit details text messages from Hoggan to another student about setting off a bomb at a school assembly and stealing an airplane from Ogden-Hinckley Airport to escape.
Police have said among the evidence recovered are computers, maps of the school and information about the school’s security systems.
Hoggan also told a police detective he was fascinated by the April 20, 1999, shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. Hoggan flew to Colorado on Dec. 12, 2011, and interviewed Columbine Principal Frank DeAngelis.
Roy Police Chief Greg Whinham has said the attack was to take place in early February.
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