Leavenworth man pleads no contest to explosives, weapons charges

? A Leavenworth man is expected to get probation after police discovered weapons and explosives at his home last month.

Michael Goings, 51, pleaded no contest to criminal use of explosives and criminal use of weapons, Leavenworth County officials said.

After Goings’ plea Wednesday, County Atty. Frank Kohl said sentencing guidelines for both felonies called for 18 months of probation. Goings is set to be sentenced Dec. 1.

Investigators arrested Goings on Oct. 8 after receiving a tip. Inside his home they found two apparent booby traps, a homemade grenade launcher, 11 pipe bombs, 43 pounds of black powder and an assortment of chemicals.

Kohl said explosive parts also were found at the University of St. Mary, where Goings worked. He was fired by the university after his arrest.

Leavenworth Police Maj. Pat Kitchens still is unsure of Goings’ motive, but said the man did not threaten anyone with the weapons and the booby traps were not armed.

Goings was placed on $100,000 bond after he was charged last month. He later was released on a reduced bond of $5,000.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is considering filing federal charges against Goings.