Feds ponder federal count in abortion plot
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Federal prosecutors say they may pursue a felony charge against a Marshfield man accused of plotting to kill Madison abortion providers.
They charged 63-year-old Ralph Lang on Thursday with a misdemeanor count of attempting to injure or intimate a person who provides reproductive health services. U.S. Attorney John Vaudreuil says he's considering pursuing a felony charge under a section of U.S. code that bars anyone from threatening or intimidating anyone who is participating in or receiving benefits from a federally funded program.
Lang is accused of planning to shoot abortion providers at Planned Parenthood's Madison clinic. The facility receives a mix of state and federal funding for women's health services.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Oppeneer on Friday ordered Lang detained pending a hearing. His attorney declined comment.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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