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Fort Polk soldier pleads guilty to manufacturing, using chemical weapon

Posted at 4:21 PM, Jun 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-12 17:21:45-04

A Fort Polk soldier pleaded guilty Monday to manufacturing and detonating a chemical weapon in the Kisatchie National Forest adjacent to the Fort Polk Army installation, according to United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

Ryan Keith Taylor, 24, of New Llano, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to producing, possessing and using a chemical weapon in violation of federal law.  According to the guilty plea, Taylor manufactured and detonated a chemical weapon on April 12, 2017, in the Kisatchie National Forest that resulted in the release of highly toxic chlorine gas into the atmosphere.

Taylor faces up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The court set sentencing for September 12, 2018.