The man accused of climbing a power plant tower in Columbia has been granted bond in Boone County.
33-year-old Richard Nichols was granted a $5,000 bond, which his attorney said he would likely not be able to post. Nichols appeared at his bond review hearing virtually from the Randolph County Jail.
Nichols is charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree property damage, obstructing government operations and resisting or interfering with a felony arrest after he climbed midway up a 300-foot smokestack and allegedly threw objects at first responders while he was up there.
If Nichols posts bond, he will be barred from entering city of Columbia property.
Nichols’ next hearing is schedule for 9 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the Boone County Courthouse.