A former Louisiana police officer and U.S. Marine has pleaded guilty to a federal terrorism-related charge after prosecutors accused him of joining an extremist faction whose members discussed attacks on targets in the United States.
Micah James Legnon, 29, of New Iberia, Louisiana, entered a guilty plea Monday to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana.
His plea agreement is expected to be formally accepted by the court, with sentencing scheduled for December 11.
Prosecutors Link Legnon to Order of the Black Lotus
Federal prosecutors said Legnon became involved in early 2025 with the Order of the Black Lotus, described by authorities as a faction of the Turtle Island Liberation Front.
According to court records, members communicated through encrypted messaging platforms and discussed making improvised explosive devices as well as a potential bombing of a logistics facility in California.
Authorities said Legnon agreed to contribute his previous military experience to the group’s activities.
Military Skills Allegedly Offered to Other Members
Prosecutors said Legnon discussed explosives and offered to provide other members with training in areas including urban tactics, shooting accuracy and combat shooting.
Investigators also found that he had stored a photograph of an explosive device and related instructions on his phone, according to federal authorities.
The allegations placed particular focus on Legnon’s background as a former Marine and law enforcement officer and the tactical knowledge prosecutors said he was prepared to share with members of the faction.
Weapons and Tactical Materials Recovered From Home
During the investigation, federal agents searched Legnon’s residence and recovered assault rifles along with SWAT and sniper training manuals and other combat-related materials, prosecutors said.
Authorities also said he had downloaded instructional material covering close-range combat, patrol operations, ambush tactics, land navigation and demolition.
The materials became part of the federal government’s case concerning his alleged efforts to support extremist activities.
Faction Connected to Separate Los Angeles-Area Bombing Allegations
The Order of the Black Lotus was also linked by federal authorities to an alleged plan to conduct bombings in the Los Angeles area around New Year’s Eve 2025.
Four people were arrested in the Mojave Desert after investigators said members obtained bomb-making materials and traveled to the area intending to test explosive devices.
Authorities treated that alleged California operation separately from the conduct attributed to Legnon.
Officials Previously Raised Concerns About New Orleans Attack
Federal officials said Legnon was not directly involved in the alleged New Year’s Eve California bombing plot. Investigators instead believed he was preparing for a separate potential attack in New Orleans.
According to court records, authorities detained Legnon while he was traveling east along U.S. Highway 90.
Investigators said an assault rifle, a pistol, body armor and a gas canister were discovered inside his vehicle.
December Sentencing Expected in Federal Court
Legnon’s guilty plea represents a major development in the federal investigation, shifting his case from prosecution toward sentencing.
The conspiracy charge centers on allegations that he agreed to provide expertise and other assistance that could support terrorist activity, rather than accusations that he personally carried out a completed bombing.
He is currently scheduled to be sentenced on December 11 following the court’s formal acceptance of his plea agreement.
