Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Neo-Nazi Leader Sentenced for Baltimore Power Grid Sabotage Plot
A leader of a neo-Nazi group, Brandon Russell, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for planning to sabotage Baltimore's power grid.
He wanted to shoot up electrical substations to cause a blackout.
This was part of a plan to support white supremacist views and cause damage worth millions of dollars.
Another person involved, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, was also sentenced.
Russell's lawyer says they will appeal the decision because they think the police gathered evidence illegally.
Neo-Nazi leader Brandon Russell sentenced to 20 years in prison for plotting to sabotage Baltimore's power grid.
Russell conspired to attack electrical substations around Baltimore with gunfire to cause a city-wide power failure.
The plan aimed to further a white supremacist ideology and potentially cause over $75 million in damage.
His co-conspirator, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, received an 18-year prison term.
Russell's lawyer plans to appeal the sentence, citing unlawful warrantless surveillance.
- Who
- Brandon Russell, the founder of a neo-Nazi group, and Sarah Beth Clendaniel were involved.
- What
- Brandon Russell was sentenced for plotting to sabotage Baltimore's power grid.
- When
- Sentencing occurred on Thursday, date not specified.
- Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Why
- To further a white supremacist ideology.
Defense Argument
Court Ruling
Sentencing Disagreement
Defense Argument
Russell's lawyer argued for a lesser sentence for Russell than Clendaniel received.
Court Ruling
The court handed down a 20 year sentence.
- Defendant
- Brandon Russell
- Sentence
- 20 years imprisonment
- Co-conspirator
- Sarah Beth Clendaniel
- Co-conspirator Sentence
- 18 years
- Crime
- Conspiracy to damage/destroy energy facility
- Location of Attack
- Baltimore, Maryland