Trial for Anti-Government Activist Begins

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A jury trial is scheduled Monday for an anti-government activist arrested on weapons charges after authorities say he spoke of burning down a Montana courthouse and attacks on law enforcement

Defendant William Krisstofer Wolf of Gallatin County is charged with possession of a machine gun and possessing an unregistered firearm. He was arrested in March in Livingston.

Authorities say he bought an illegal, automatic shotgun for $720 in preparation for what Wolf believed was an imminent armed conflict between citizens and the government.

The 52-year-old man claims he was entrapped by government agents who encouraged him into buying the shotgun and seeking to buy a flamethrower.

The case is before U.S. District Judge Susan Watters in federal court in Billings.