2 Charged in Alleged Plot to Attack Synagogues, Churches

Two men have been charged in an alleged plot to bomb or shoot up synagogues and black churches.

An affidavit filed Monday by an FBI agent in federal court in Richmond says 34-year-old Robert C. Doyle of Chester and 33-year-old Ronald Beasley Chaney III are white supremacists and convicted felons. They allegedly tried to buy an automatic weapon, explosives and a pistol with a silencer from three undercover FBI agents posing as arms dealers Sunday.

They are charged with conspiracy to possess firearms after being convicted of felonies.

An associate, 30-year-old Charles D. Halderman, is accused of plotting to rob a jeweler to help Doyle stockpile weapons for a race war. He is charged with a robbery conspiracy.

Attorneys for the defendants did not immediately return telephone messages Tuesday.