(Times Union) A federal judge has ordered the “compassionate release” from federal prison of three people whom she described as “hapless” and “easily manipulated” petty criminals who were convicted 14 years ago in a controversial terrorist plot in which the FBI relied on an informant with a lengthy criminal record and a history of lying.
The defendants — Onta Williams, David Williams and Laguerre Payen — were lured into the Justice Department’s sting case along with co-defendant James Cromitie and convicted of taking part in a fictitious plot to plant bombs manufactured by the FBI at a synagogue and community center in Riverdale. Cromitie was cast as the ringleader in the government’s case.
