John Douglas Allen Sentenced to 75 Months for Extortion Plot Using Explosives

John Douglas Allen was sentenced yesterday in two separate criminal cases relating to a 5 million dollar extortion plot using pipe bombs placed outside of cell phone stores in Cheyboygen and Sault Ste. Marie. The cases were separated because Cheyboygen and Sault Ste. Marie fall into different federal court districts. Allen was sentenced to 75 months in jail by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Ludington at a courthouse in Bay City. Allen previously pleaded guilty to the charges of extortion by wrongful use of force violence or fear, and attempted destruction of a building using an explosive device, back in July. In addition to pleading guilty to placing threatening letters aimed at telecommunications companies on cell towers in the Upper Peninsula.