Columbia man pleads guilty in Planned Parenthood arson
A Columbia man pleaded guilty on Thursday morning in connection with a fire that was intentionally set to the Planned Parenthood in Columbia in February.
Wesley B. Kaster, 42, pleaded guilty before to one count of maliciously using explosive materials to damage a building owned by an organization that receives federal financial assistance, and one count of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Kaster has remained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on March 2. He originally plead not guilty on back in April.
Kaster admitted that he made a Molotov cocktail on Feb. 10. On the same day, he broke the glass in the north entry door of the Columbia Health Center at 711 N. Providence Road and threw the Molotov cocktail into the building. Around 4:10 a.m., the Columbia Fire Department arrived on the scene, investigated the damage caused by the explosive device and collected evidence.
According to a press release from the Federal Court of the Western District of Missouri, Kaster admitted Thursday that he took these actions because Planned Parenthood provided reproductive health services at the facility.
The court told ABC17 News he could be sentenced in about two months. Kaster faces a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole and up to a 21 year without parole.
A spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Great Plains released this statement after the guilty plea was entered.
"Planned Parenthood Great Plains is pleased that this case continues to move forward. While today's plea doesn’t mean the case has ended, we know that quick resolution is reassuring for everyone. We are proud that we have been able to keep our doors open despite this act of violence, and look forward to continuing to provide care to the Columbia community."
Mandy Culbertson, Planned Parenthood Great Plains
Niether Kaster's public defender Troy Stabenow or the Office of the United States Prosecuting Attorney had a comment about Thursday's plea.
