OXFORD – A man who told investigators he knew of a white supremacist plot to kill the president will be sentenced in court today. Authorities said sentencing for Ronnie Lee Owen, 41, was initially set for April 13, but his attorney said he needed more time to prepare Owen’s case, and it was rescheduled for April 29.
Owen had cited unspecified issues of misconduct by prosecutors, ineffective assistance of his defense attorney and the discovery of new evidence, according to court documents.
Owen, a fugitive who was wanted for fraud and other charges in eight states, was arrested in March 2009 in Biloxi. Court records said authorities found in Owen’s possession three fake driver’s licenses, phony checks and the equipment to make more fraudulent checks.
Printed reports said Owen tried to make a deal with investigators by claiming that he knew of a plot to kill President Barack Obama.
Authorities said the Secret Service investigates any threat made against the president, and determined that Owen’s claims were false.
In January 2010, Owen pleaded guilty to one count in the indictment, and he later tried to withdraw his guilty plea.
In Gulfport last month, and without comment, U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden denied Owen’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea and stand trial and scheduled a date for sentencing.
Authorities believe Owen, who is originally from Nashville, Tenn., passed fake checks he made on his home computer, in California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington.
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