Pipe bomb suspect begins presenting his case

The former Iowa letter carrier accused of sending letters and dud pipe bombs to investment advisers is presenting his defense.

John Tomkins, who is serving as his own defense lawyer, made his opening statement Wednesday and called three character witnesses, two of them his brothers.

Tomkins told federal jurors in Chicago he will ask them to find him guilty of mailing threatening letters to investment houses, but not guilty of mailing pipe bombs that were ready to explode, which he said he did not do.

Tomkins is charged with mailing threatening communications, illegal possession of a destructive device and using a destructive device in connection with a crime of violence.

The government alleges Tomkins wanted investment houses to raise the price of stock he owned in two technology firms.