Student accused of planning to bomb prom reaches plea bargain

BURLINGTON, Iowa - A former high school student accused of planning to bomb his prom last April has pleaded guilty to possessing bomb-making materials.\nChristopher Todd, 19, pleaded guilty Monday to possessing an offensive weapon and prosecutors agreed to drop charges of possession of an explosive device and witness tampering. He faces up to five years in prison at sentencing.\nProsecutors declined to comment on a motive or on a possible link with the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado. The prom had been planned on that date.\nPolice began investigating after a teacher at West Burlington High School overheard students discussing Todd's plan to blow something up at the prom.\nHe was arrested April 19 - the day before the prom - when police found gunpowder, a pipe with a crimped end and a journal that described plans for a bombing in his room and car. Todd allegedly told police it was simply a joke that went too far.