Unabomber Suspect Is Charged (Preview)

HELENA, Mont. — Bearded, frail and wearing a bright orange jail suit, Theodore John Kaczynski — the former University of California, Berkeley, math professor suspected of being the Unabomber — appeared in federal court here yesterday and was charged with possessing a partly made pipe bomb.

Federal agents said they found the device in his hand-built, 10- by 12-foot cabin on Stemple Pass, in the Montana mountains near the Continental Divide. In an affidavit, the agents said the device was inside a cylindrical package wrapped in paper and tape. They said they discovered the package in the cabin’s loft.

Agents said they X-rayed the package and saw a partially completed pipe bomb inside.

Kaczynski, 53, wore a half-smile as he walked into the courtroom. He stood quietly in front of U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell. Speaking softly but clearly, he answered most of the judge’s questions with a yes or no.

When the judge asked if he had any mental impairments, he said, “No.”

Lovell: “I take it you are financially unable to pay for counsel yourself.”

Kaczynski: “Quite correct.”

Public defender Michael Donahoe asked for an additional day to say whether Kaczynski would waive his right to a preliminary hearing and a hearing to set bail. Lovell granted the request. The charge did not mention the Unabomber’s 17-year crusade of terror against industry, academia and the airlines, in which three people were killed and 23 others were injured.

Authorities said they would convene a federal grand jury to consider additional charges.

In the affidavit presented to the Helena court, FBI Special Agent Donald J. Sachtleben, a bomb specialist ... (preview ends)