ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A father and son accused of setting off an explosive device near an Election Day polling place were back in Lehigh County Court Wednesday.
In May, Matthew Pletz, 57, and his son Jack Pletz, 24, allegedly threw an explosive device from a vehicle that detonated near Salem United Church of Christ in Catasauqua as residents were voting there in the primary election.
No one was injured, according to state police. Authorities have not indicated that the explosive devices were connected to the election.
Police said 17 additional homemade explosive devices were found in their truck.
Matthew Pletz and his son, Jack Pletz, are facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged explosive device incident near a Lehigh County polling place in May.
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The father and son are facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for the incident.
Last month, Jack Pletz appeared in court and entered a not-guilty plea. His father, who is in custody, waived his appearance and did not attend the hearing.
On Wednesday at the courthouse, Jack Pletz’s attorney brought up what he said was a potential conflict of interest. He said someone he was previously involved with on a separate case could be called to the stand as a witness in this case.
The attorney said this concern did not conflict with Wednesday’s appearance at all. The judge said Jack Pletz will have to get a new attorney.
Prosecutors submitted a transcript to the judge Wednesday which he will have to go through.
Jack Pletz is out on bail. He has also been charged separately in connection with allegations that he harassed a neighbor who testified against him during a recent court hearing.
Meanwhile, his father Matthew remains incarcerated. The two are due back in court in December.