SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A 21-year-old Salt Lake City man has pleaded guilty to gun and hate crime charges after admitting he shot out windows at a Utah synagogue two years ago.
A federal grand jury indictment accused Macon Openshaw of intentionally shooting at the Congregation Kol Ami synagogue in Salt Lake City sometime between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2012.
The Justice Department says he admitted in court on Wednesday he fired three rounds from a .22-caliber handgun at the unoccupied temple because of its religious identity.
Openshaw also admitted to possessing a handgun with a destroyed serial number.
His plea is part of a deal aimed at securing a five-year prison sentence. He also agreed to pay restitution for synagogue repairs.
His sentencing is July 15 before U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell.
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