BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A white supremacist who tried to turn the North Dakota town of Leith into an all-white enclave says he fears he could become the target of violence and that he’d like to leave the state if he avoids prison time.
Prominent members of the tiny community and surrounding area say they are angry with Craig Cobb, but that he wouldn’t be hurt if he were to be freed from jail. Leith’s population numbered just 23 before Cobb arrived.
Cobb came to North Dakota from Canada - where he is wanted on a hate-crime charge - to work in the western oil fields about two years ago. In November he was jailed after residents of Leith accused him of terrorizing them in an armed patrol. He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted on all six felony charges. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in mid-July.
A judge’s three-week window for attorneys to work out a plea deal runs out Monday. Cobb said in a telephone interview from jail on Wednesday that he understands those discussions are continuing. Prosecutor Todd Schwarz and defense attorney Ryan Heintz did not return calls seeking comment.
Cobb could not say if he would accept a plea agreement that involved prison time but did say he felt he had been subjected to “mob justice” and that he would feel uncomfortable staying in the state should he be released on probation.
“I really want to get out of North Dakota,” he said. “I’m on the cusp of being elderly - I’m 62 years old. You’re very cautious.”
Cobb said he feels particularly threatened by Gregory Bruce.
Bruce, who lives in nearby New Leipzig, operates a website that focuses on Leith’s battle to repel Cobb and his white supremacist ambitions, and has been an outspoken opponent of Cobb’s plans to buy up vacant lots and populate them with other white supremacists.
If Cobb is released with no prison time, “I’ll probably lose my cool a little bit (but) I’m not going to hurt the guy,” Bruce said.
“My only interest in Craig Cobb is getting him out of North Dakota,” Bruce said.
Kynan Dutton, who was also charged with terrorizing in the armed patrol incident, pleaded guilty last month to lesser charges and was sentenced to time served and two years’ probation.
Leith Mayor Ryan Schock said residents want Cobb to be imprisoned, not released, and for all of his property in town to be sold.
“There has been no one who has been violent to him ever. He’s the one who has been violent, walking around with his guns,” Schock said. “He’s the one who went off the handle, got angry and became violent.”
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