A 42-year old man from Columbia, MO, recently pleaded guilty in federal court to the arson at the Columbia Health Center (operated by Planned Parenthood Great Plains) on February 10, 2019.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says Wesley Brian Kaster pleaded guilty to one count of maliciously using explosive materials to damage a building owned by an organization that receives federal financial assistance, and one count of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

Kaster has remained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on March 2, 2019.

By pleading guilty, Kaster admitted that he manufactured a Molotov cocktail on February 10, 2019. That same day, he broke the glass to a door of the Columbia Health Center, located at 711 N. Providence Road. He reportedly threw the Molotov cocktail into the facility. At approximately 4:10 a.m., the Columbia Fire Department arrived on scene, investigated the damage caused by the explosive device, and collected evidence.

Kaster admitted that he took these actions because Planned Parenthood provided reproductive health services at the facility.

Under federal statutes, Kaster is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to 21 years in federal prison without parole.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

More From AM 1050 KSIS