
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 2, 1991                   TAG: 9104020615
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NORFOLK                                LENGTH: Short

SUSPECTS IN BOMB ATTEMPT ARE BILLED

The state has billed three defendants $4,300 in the attempted bombing of a chemical tank.

Rob Wagner, an assistant state attorney general, said the Department of Emergency Services routinely issues such bills to pay for its expenses. The bill is to be split among the three men, Wagner said.

Cecil Howard Ross, Charles Edward Gresham and Joseph Wayne Openshaw were billed in care of the Portsmouth City Jail, where they are being held pending their May 21 trial.

The three are accused of trying to blow up a tank of chemicals for insurance purposes in February. The incident raised fears of terrorist bombings at the height of the Persian Gulf War.

"Despite the plea of not guilty, despite the fact that there has been no trial, they're assuming he's guilty," Ross' attorney, Henry Asbill, said Monday. "My client has no intention now or ever of paying the bill."

Wagner said, "I don't think that sending them a bill affects the criminal case. I don't see the link. We aren't convicting anyone of anything."

by CNB