And it placed the beginning of the bombing conspiracy in April 1992, several months earlier than the authorities had previously said.

It was the moment, investigators now say, that put the bombing conspiracy in high gear.

After a brief release, he was picked up again by immigration officials and has been indicted in the bombing conspiracy.

Mr. Nichols is accused of using the loot from the robbery to finance the bombing conspiracy.

Mark Rudd was never convicted of involvement in any bombing conspiracies; federal charges that he had been involved were dropped.

The government has described the statements of two of the men as confessions of involvement in the bombing conspiracy.

If he made those statements while trying to further the bombing conspiracy, they would be admissible, Judge Matsch said.

Noel Maguire, who the judge said played "a major part in the bombing conspiracy", was sentenced to 22 years.

He also issued various denials of any role in the bombing conspiracy.

Prosecutors say the robbery financed the bombing conspiracy.