Accused Terrorism Suspect: Charges Are "Absurd"

DETROIT (WWJ) -  A mentally ill Vietnam War veteran accused of plotting to attack a popular Michigan mosque says the charges against him are ``absurd.''

Roger Stockham was arrested near the Islamic Center of America during a January 24th traffic stop. Police say Stockham was wearing a ski mask and had M-80s in his car, which are illegal in Michigan.

Now in Wayne County Jail- Stockham says that he meant to spray-paint an anti-Iraq war message on the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn on the day of his January arrest. But he says he didn't intend to use powerful fireworks he had with him to attack the mosque or worshipers.

Defense attorney Matthew Evans had requested the fireworks that police say they found in the 63-year-old Stockham's car last month be brought to his preliminary examination.  Assistant prosecutor Khalid Najar objected to the request.

Evans is challenging charges of making a false report or threat of terrorism and possessing explosives with unlawful intent.

The 63-year-old California man has pleaded not guilty to the charges of making a false report or threat of terrorism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.