Montague man charged with terrorism

Police found pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, toxic chemicals, firearms and writings detailing plans.

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

Simon

ROTHBURY — The 27-year-old Montague man charged with four felonies in connection to allegedly running from Michigan State Police troopers at the Rothbury Wesco convenience store, Oct. 20, now faces charges in Muskegon County of threat of terrorism and possession of an explosive device with unlawful intent.

The Michigan State Police investigation of Stewart Lee Simon began after a third party alerted his family that he made alleged threats of mass violence, according to the Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Search warrants were then executed at his home, where authorities said they found improvised pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails, toxic chemicals, multiple firearms and numerous writings detailing alleged plans.

The evidence indicated a desire to commit an act of mass violence, first against his family and then against the general public, in protest of perceived government wrongdoing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Simon was arraigned in Oceana County’s 79th District Court Thursday, Oct. 22, on charges of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, felony firearm, assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and carrying a concealed weapon.

“Officials in Muskegon were investigating a complaint, and MSP was asked to make contact with Simon at his place of work, the Rothbury Wesco,” said Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon. When police approached, he allegedly attempted to run out a back or side door and reached for a concealed pistol. While running from the troopers, he ran into a glass door, said Bizon.

Simon is lodged in the Oceana County Jail on a $100,000 bond. He suffered minor injuries from crashing into the door and was treated at the scene. He is scheduled to appear in Oceana County’s 79th District Court for a preliminary exam Nov. 10 at 1 p.m.

The Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office credited the third party who came forward and the Michigan State Police for acting quickly, saying their actions “almost undoubtedly stopped a tragedy from unfolding.” 

Simon is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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