A Brighton-area man whom police said had bomb-making materials in his vehicle pleaded guilty Thursday to carrying a concealed weapon.
Richard Scott McLeod, who was not charged with the bomb-making materials, is expected to be sentenced on Dec. 1 in Ingham County Circuit Court for carrying a gun without the proper license.
Sheriff's Deputy Michael Graham stopped McLeod's vehicle for speeding near M-52 and Highview Drive in Leroy Township in September.
Sheriff's officials said McLeod, who was going to a funeral, was sweating profusely and shaking, which led Graham to express concern about McLeod's behavior and his ability to drive.
During that conversation, Graham asked, "Where's the gun in the car?" and McLeod replied, "In the console."
Police said McLeod admitted the gun was loaded and that he did not have a valid permit for concealed weapons.
A search of his vehicle also yielded a military-style bulletproof vest, bomb-making materials, and a photo of President Barack Obama. The combination of the materials gave officers concern.
A subsequent forensic analysis of a laptop computer found in his car revealed "information regarding" the Hutaree group, but police could not say if that meant McLeod was tied to the group.
The Hutaree is an organization the FBI called "an extremist anti-government militia" based in Lenawee County, and it captured headlines when the FBI arrested several members, claiming the group had planned to kill law enforcement officers with explosive devices.
