CHICAGO (AP) — A suburban Chicago contractor accused of setting fire to an air traffic control facility is scheduled for arraignment in federal court.
Thursday’s hearing in Chicago would give 37-year-old Brian Howard a chance to enter a plea. Other factors could delay that, including if there’s word of any plea agreement.
The September fire shut down O’Hare and Midway international airports.
The Naperville man was a contract employee at the Aurora facility. Authorities say he cut cables and set fire to a basement telecommunications room.
He’s charged with one count of willfully setting fire at an air navigation facility; and one of using fire to commit a federal felony. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
His attorney has previously said Howard “accepted responsibility for his conduct.”
