Accused Iowa Pipe Bomber to Represent Himself

This undated image shows John P. Tomkins, of Dubuque, Iowa. Tomkins, was arrested in April 2007, accused of mailing pipe bombs to investment companies in hopes of driving up stock prices. On Wednesday, July 21, 2010, in Chicago, Tomkins, the accused pipe bomber known as "The Bishop,' asked a federal judge to allow him to represent himself. (AP Photo)

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Aug 4, 2010 at 3:09 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 4, 2010 at 3:09 PM CDT

CHICAGO (AP) — A former Iowa letter carrier accused of mailing dud pipe bombs and threatening letters to investment firms and others will represent himself at trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Pope says Judge George Lindberg on Wednesday approved John Tomkins' request to defend himself.

Tomkins has been in federal custody in Chicago since his April 2007 arrest. He's accused of being the source of letters from May 2005 to January 2007 that threatened to kill recipients and their relatives unless shares in Navarre Corp. and 3COM Corp. increased in value.

Tompkins allegedly signed letters as "The Bishop."

The Dubuque, Iowa man was expected to plead guilty two weeks ago but instead asked the judge if he could represent himsel.

If convicted, Tomkins could receive more than 200 years in prison and more than $2.5 million in fines.

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