The man accused of trying to bomb a natural gas pipeline could get a plea deal, his attorney said in federal court Wednesday.
Anson Chi is charged with attempting to bomb a gas-regulating station in Plano in June. The homemade device went off prematurely, causing little damage to the regulator but critically injuring Chi.
Brook Busbee, Chi's attorney, told a federal judge in court Wednesday that her client and prosecutors could be close to reaching a plea deal.
Without such an agreement, Chi could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
In February, the government added two new charges against him -- malicious use of explosive materials and using or carrying a destructive device during a crime of violence and malicious use of fire and explosives to damage and destroy an Atmos natural gas pipeline.
In September, Chi's attorney had described her client as delusional and said he was unfit to stand trial.
But a court-appointed psychiatrist in March determined that Chi was competent to assist in his defense.
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Wednesday was scheduled to be Chi's final pretrial conference hearing, but the judge allowed a continuance.
Chi is next expected in court with his attorneys on June 3.
