BALTIMORE — In a significant ruling, a Florida man was convicted for his role in a conspiracy to attack Maryland’s power grid, with prosecutors highlighting the underlying racist motivations driving the plot.
Brandon Russell, 29, was found guilty of conspiring with his former girlfriend, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, to stage attacks on electrical substations around Baltimore. Federal prosecutors noted that the couple aimed to instigate chaos in the predominantly Black city.
Arrested in February 2023 before their attack could be executed, the pair’s plans were closely monitored by law enforcement.
After four days of trial and less than an hour of jury deliberation, Russell was convicted on a single count of conspiracy to damage an energy facility, marking a critical victory for federal prosecutors in combating domestic terrorism.
Russell’s sentencing will occur at a later date. During the trial, he was seen wearing a light blue jacket and glasses, frequently consulting with his legal counsel.
Russell, previously a co-founder of the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division, had a prior history of legal troubles, including a conviction for possession of an unregistered destructive device after a search of his home uncovered explosives and a collection of white supremacist materials.
During trial, prosecutor Joseph Baldwin recounted testimony, including insights from a confidential informant who connected with Russell through various means. Prosecutors asserted that Russell facilitated Clendaniel’s access to firearms necessary for their planned attacks.
“He was the team leader taking care of his warrior,” Baldwin stated, emphasizing Russell’s leadership role in the conspiracy.
Prosecutors presented audio evidence where Russell made racist comments and stressed the need for secrecy regarding their violent intentions.
The defense argued that Russell had no real plans to engage in the violence, suggesting he was merely a supporter of extremist ideologies. His attorney described him as a “cheerleader” for the ideology, asserting that such beliefs do not constitute criminal conspiratorial action.
Despite these arguments, the jury was instructed that a guilty verdict required evidence of Russell’s active involvement and knowledge of the conspiracy’s intentions.
Russell’s previous encounters with law enforcement included his presence at a crime scene of a double homicide in Tampa, which led to the discovery of his neo-Nazi paraphernalia and explosives, reflecting a troubling pattern of extremist behavior.
Clendaniel, 36, who had a history of extremist beliefs, also pleaded guilty in connection with this plot and received an 18-year prison sentence in September.
