Power-Line Scare Arrestee's Medical Issue Postpones Hearing

CHELMSFORD, MA - A Chelmsford man arrested Saturday by the FBI in connection with suspicious devices found near power lines in Tyngsborough was "medically unable" to attend a bail and probable-cause hearing Thursday, the Lowell Sun reported.

Dan Kelly, 61, of Chelmsford was scheduled to appear in court after he was ordered to be held without bail at his first hearing in U.S. District Court in Boston on Monday, according to the Lowell Sun.

Kelly was arrested Saturday morning at his home in Chelmsford and was taken into custody without incident following the bureau's investigation into suspicious devices found Wednesday, March 30 in Tyngsborough.

The incendiary devices were determined to be homemade and containing materials that collectively create thermite, a substance strong enough to cut through metal objects such as power lines, the Massachusetts District Attorney said.

And this wasn't the first time Kelly has been involved in this type of situation.

An affidavit released by the FBI Monday outlines a prior incident in 2004 where approximately 18 telephone and cable lines were cut by an individual who communicated written threats to cut more lines unless he received payment. According to the affidavit, Kelly was revealed to be that individual and was prosecuted and pleaded guilty to extortion.

Officials say a note was left at the scene last week that claimed responsibility for the devices designed to cut the lines. The note takes credit for the improvised devices that the author calls “cutters,” threatens to publish the instructions on how to make the improvised devices on the internet, and lashes out at the U.S. attorney’s office, the FBI and the courts.

The author says he is going to war, threatens future attacks on other critical infrastructure, and states that his goal is not to win, it is to do damage in retaliation for punishing him.

The note left at the Tyngsborough fire bore numerous similarities to the communications that Kelly made in 2004 in connection with his prior case and according to the FBI show Kelly is the author.

The note said in part:

If you found this letter, the cutters must have worked. Sorry it was necessary to cut your lines, but the good lord has given me no choice. Now you can do something dumb like tell the world your lines were cut. This will give credibility to the devices if I have to release them on the Internet.

It goes on to say:

The cutter was tested by cutting through a 1 inch black pipe. So say goodbye to gas lines! I also noticed you patch where the grinder cut the 720k line before. Although the lines were too tough for the grinder, you know that method will take care of all the communication lines, and smaller electric lines. If that is not enough, I also know how to take out the transportation, sewerage, and water services, but they require a $800 investment. So it is going to be an expensive war, if you want to play it. I see no way you can win!

Crews working in the area of 50 Locust Ave. in Tyngsborough noticed the devices last Wednesday and quickly alerted officials. Massachusetts State Police and FBI special agent bomb technicians responded and identified multiple incendiary devices similar in structure to pipe bombs in the area.

Kelly is being charged with "a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i) (attempt to maliciously damage and destroy property used in interstate and foreign commerce and in an activity affecting interstate and foreign commerce by means of fire)."

The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

• Liz Taurasi (Patch Staff) contributed to this report.