GREENBELT, Md. — Days after a federal judge ruled a Montgomery County terror suspect should be released from jail, Coast Guard Lt. Christopher Hasson asked to be put in the custody of family members through trial – a move that will be opposed by federal prosecutors.
Hasson, 49, remains detained, until defense attorneys can provide a set of release conditions that will ensure public safety.
Prosecutors revealed this month that Hasson sought to kill two Supreme Court justices, as well as dozens of people on a hit-list of television news personalities and high-profile Democratic politicians.
But because prosecutors in Maryland detained Hasson on weapon and drug charges, with no counts linked to terror-related offenses, Hasson’s public defender argued the charges were not substantial enough to keep the military veteran in jail.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day agreed, ruling Thursday that Hasson’s charges were not suitable for detention.
Assistant Federal Public Defender Liz Oyer submitted a series of conditions that could secure Hasson’s release – conditions which will now be reviewed by Judge Day and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office.
Oyer asked for one of five family members to be considered for Hasson’s third-party custodian, ranging from his mother-in-law in Virginia to his brother in Arizona.
If Hasson is released from jail, location monitoring would likely be required. Other potential release conditions included Hasson having no access to firearms, Internet, computers, or controlled substances.
Hasson would only be allowed to leave home detention for court appearances, meetings with his lawyer, and necessary medical treatment.
He would also be subjected to drug testing, substance abuse treatment, mental health evaluations.
Hasson will return to the Greenbelt federal courthouse May 7, 2 p.m., for a hearing on his possible release.