Judge OKs move of Waseca teen accused in bomb plot
A Waseca teen accused of plotting to kill his family and classmates will be transferred to a new facility.
District Court Judge Gerald Wolf granted the request to move 17-year-old John LaDue to the Prairie Lakes Youth Program's secure facilities in Willmar, Minnesota.
LaDue has been at a juvenile facility in Red Wing, Minnesota, since April when he was arrested. A search turned up explosives, a gun, bomb-making supplies and a journal that outlined his plans.
Previous coverage
• July: Judge dismisses attempted murder charges against teen
• June: Documents: Teen 'wanted as many victims as possible'
• May: Teen in alleged Waseca plot pleads not guilty
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The Willmar facility will give LaDue access to a psychologist and a nurse practitioner who can prescribe medications, if needed, Wolf said. The judge ordered LaDue's parents to help pay for medical treatment for their son.
LaDue's attorney declined to comment after the hearing.
The Waseca County Attorney's office originally charged LaDue in early May with four counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of attempted criminal damage to property and six counts of possessing explosives.
Judge Wolf dismissed the attempted murder charges in late July because LaDue "did not make a substantial step, beyond mere preparation, toward the commission of first degree premeditated murder."
Earlier this month, prosecutors asked a state appeals court to reinstate attempted murder charges against LaDue. His attorneys have until Oct. 6 to file legal briefs in the appeal's case.