Michelle Marie Bastian has pleaded guilty to Terrorism and Conspiracy to Commit Misconduct Involving Weapons. Bastian faces 8 1/2 to 10 years in prison along with being placed on lifetime probation.
On May 1, 2016 and October 12, 2016, Michelle Bastian plotted to commit an act of terrorism at the Arizona State Prison Complex – Lewis where her husband, Thomas Bastian is currently an inmate. Bastian knowingly sent items to her husband to be used to construct and set off an explosive device within the prison facility. These items included instructions about how to make a homemade explosive device as well as terrorism propaganda and information in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria also known as ISIS or ISIL.
Thomas Bastian is currently awaiting trial. He is charged with 4 felony counts including Terrorism, Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism, Conspiracy to Commit Misconduct Involving Weapons, and Conspiracy to Promote Prison Contraband.
The Phoenix Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arizona Department of Corrections, and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office investigated this case.
Michelle Bastian will be sentenced on July 14, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.