FBI captures Intel staffer with Texas-sized gun cache

It's not often that "AK-47" and "Intel" make it into the same sentence, but that's exactly what just happened after it was learned that a former Intel employee has been charged with plotting to attack one of the company's plants in Arizona.

Last month, David Dugan was arrested after agents observed him "picking up an AK-47 and 1000 rounds of ammunition" at an Arizona gun shop. Dugan had been under surveillance ever since he allegedly placed a phone call to a family member, suggesting that he planned to shoot up Intel's Chanlder, Arizona plant. Intel confirmed that Dugan was a former employee, and investigators suspect that the man was disgruntled after being fired and enduring a long-standing dispute over disability payments.

"The criminal complaint charges that on October 16, 2004, Dugan communicated with a family member in Missouri via telephone, discussing that Dugan had received a letter of termination from Intel and describing ways in which Dugan would cause production at Intel to cease and that people would possibly be hurt at the production facility," the Arizona District Attorney said in a statement.

Dugan has been charged with one count of of transmitting a threat via the telephone. He could face up five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

Agents searched Dugan's home and found an AK-47, a loaded rifle, a loaded shotgun, two handguns and 1800 rounds of ammunition. In Texas, that's known as "the executive weekend retreat package."

The FBI alleges that Dugan planned to open up gas pipes in the basement of the Chandler plant and then to begin shooting at machinery. The former manufacturing technician was looking to cause millions in damages, according to the FBI's complaint.

A reporter for the Arizona Republic travelled over to Dugan's home and interviewed some of his neighbors.

"My daughter had seen him out walking his dog," one neighbor told the paper. "He had just had surgery, and he was very feeble in his walk."

A sign on Dugan's front door said, "No trespassing. No solicitations. Place nothing on doorknob. Post no bills please," according to the paper. ®

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