Columbia man pleads not guilty to terrorism charges

A Columbia man pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges Friday in federal court in Kansas City.

Robert Hester Jr. was indicted Thursday for his role in making preparations to launch a terrorist attack with people whom he believed were members of ISIS. They were undercover law enforcement agents.

Hester appeared in court Friday for the first time since his arrest on Hanover Boulevard in Columbia and subsequent indictment by the grand jury.

During the formal arraignment, Hester’s lawyer asked that the charges not be read out loud, because he said Hester had reviewed them, but the judge did read them.

The judge also denied bond for Hester, who will remain in federal custody until his trial, which is set for March 27.

Don Ledford, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney, said the trial date is extremely tentative and is subject to change.

Hester’s attorney, Troy Stabenow, could request a continuance of the trial. There will be a scheduling hearing at 11 a.m. on March 21.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Casey spoke Friday on behalf of the prosecution.

Neither attorney would comment following the arraignment.