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Attorney For Man Accused Of Threatening Ohio Jewish Community Center Says Case Is 'Completely Fictional'

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) - An attorney for the man accused of making threats against an Ohio Jewish community center says the case is "completely fictional."

The Tribune Chronicle reports 20-year-old James Reardon, of New Middletown, was arraigned Friday in federal court in Youngstown. Reardon was charged last month with transmitting threatening communications.

Authorities say a video Reardon made includes sirens blaring, Reardon shooting a rifle and is captioned: "The police identified the Youngstown Jewish Family Community shooter as local white nationalist Seamus O'Rearedon."

Defense attorney Ross Smith said Friday that Reardon was at a shooting range, not the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, when he made the video.

Federal agents found weapons and anti-Semitic information during a search of Reardon's home.

An assistant U.S. Attorney declined to comment about Smith's remarks.

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Information from: The Tribune Chronicle, http://www.tribtoday.com

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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