'Burn Your Local Mosque' Threats, Rifles, and Child Porn: Wilmington Man Pleads Guilty

A Wilmington man pleaded guilty Wednesday to making Facebook threats to burn a Boston mosque, illegally possessing dozens of firearms and ammunition, and having child pornography.

Patrick Keogan, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday morning in U.S. District Court in Boston to two counts of making a threat over Facebook to injure or intimidate another individual or to unlawfully damage or destroy a building by means of fire; one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; and one count of possessing child pornography.

Keogan has been in custody since his arrest in July 2016. He is set to be scheduled by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock May 15

Keogan posted "threatening images" on the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center's Facebook page in November, one day after Paris terrorist attacks, a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Keogan posted an image of a mosque in flames with lettering saying “Burn your local mosque.” The post itself said “Hello scumbags,” with a smiley face. Keogan posted the same on the Islamic Society of Northeastern University Facebook page.

Authorities obtained warrants for Keogan's social media history and found multiple Facebook posts endorsing or approving burning mosques, the release said. In 2013 Keogan shared a post that said, “On July 4th, Joplin, Missouri’s Islamic Center — the city’s only mosque — suffered roof damage after an unidentified man set it on fire by tossing a burning object onto the building.” Keogan responded, “Somewhere out there is an unknown hero. The people’s champion. A true God amongst mortal men. May your days be many & troubles be few my good man.”

In Nov. 2015 Keogan posted a status saying, “Canada enters the Mosque Burning Winter Olympics of 2016 early! Who will take the Gold? Who will take the Silver? and WHO will take the Bronze??? We'll have to wait til the snow clears to find out folks but lets keep our fingers crossed for some fierce competition! And remember- you (yes you) are a qualified competitor of your own nation- so get out there and help your Country be number one in this winter’s Mosque Burning Olympics!”

Keogan was buying, selling, trading, building, modifying, possessing, and shooting firearms and ammunition despite being a convicted felon, authorities discovered when they searched his Facebook.

A GPS tracking device on Keogan’s car helped federal agents track Keogan to a New Hampshire gun store around May 1, 2016. Prosecutors said he purchased two boxes of 8mm rifle ammunition and two bags of loose 8mm rifle ammunition, driving it back to his Wilmington residence.

Authorities found dozens of firearms, including light machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition, when they arrested Keogan in July 2016.

Authorities also found child pornography on Keogan’s iPhone and iPad.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, "The charging statutes for the threats and firearms/ammunition charges each provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervisory release, a fine of $250,000, and forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition. The charging statute for the child pornography charge provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, supervised release for at least five years and maximum of life, restitution, a fine of $250,000, and forfeiture."