By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Jury selection in the federal trial of anti-abortion extremist James Kopp is now scheduled to begin Thursday morning. There is no plea deal for the federal charges against Kopp.
Kopp is already serving 25 years to life in prison for the 1998 murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian of Amherst. Under the reported plea deal, the government offered Kopp a chance to enter a guilty plea to federal firearm charges and violation of the FACE Act, Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances. In exchange Kopp would serve out his life sentenced at a medium security prison.
US Attorney Terrance Flynn tells WBFO News Kopp had approached the government for proposed talks, but all plea deal negotiations have ended.
Kopp will finally be tried on federal charges. Flynn says even though Kopp is already serving time for state charges, the government and Slepian's family want to make sure Kopp never has a chance for parole.
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