Local NewsCrime

Actions

Accused 'boogaloo' members pled not guilty today in federal court

Posted at 9:52 PM, Jun 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-25 09:13:53-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — There is now a date set for the federal trial of three self-described “boogaloo” members accused of trying to incite violence during protests here in Las Vegas.

Federal Judge Cam Ferenbach set it for 9 a.m. Aug. 24.

Stephen Parshall, Andrew Lynam, and William Loomis pleaded not guilty this afternoon to charges of conspiring to cause destruction by fire and explosives and possessing an unregistered destructive device.

None of them appeared in court but participated in the hearing by video conference.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office claims all three men have described themselves as members of the “boogaloo” movement (“boogaloo” is a term to signify a coming civil war).

Authorities say from April to May 30, 2020, the defendants conspired to damage and destroy — by fire and explosives — buildings and property owned by the U.S. government, as well as a public utility installation.

The three men were arrested on May 30 as they were preparing to go to a Black Lives Matter protest at the Container Park in downtown Las Vegas.

If convicted, Parshall, Lynam, and Loomis could each face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive; and ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of unregistered firearms.

U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Dickinson is prosecuting the federal case.

In another case, the three men were allegedly involved in setting fire to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police SUV patrol during one of the black lives matter protest in downtown also pleaded not guilty.

Tyree Walker, Devarian Haynes and Ricardo Densmore were each charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit arson and two counts of arson.