Bomb plot suspect's attorney reveals FBI's informant, Shaquille Azir, who has long criminal record

CLEVELAND - The attorney of one of the five men charged in connection with an alleged plot to blow up a northeast Ohio bridge has revealed the identity of the informant paid by the FBI to provide information.

John Pyle, the Cleveland attorney representing suspect Brandon Baxter, told NewsChannel5’s Paul Kiska the informant working with the group was 39-year-old Shaquille Azir.

Azir’s last listed address is in Maple Heights. A woman answered when Kiska knocked on the door, and she said Azir is her landlord, but does not live in the house anymore. The house contains multiple apartment units.

A neighbor told Kiska Azir moved into the house in October but moved out in March, after she said he apparently threatened another neighbor who did handiwork on the house.

Court records show Azir has a long criminal history, and also went by the name “Kalvin Jackson” at one point in his life.

Records also show Azir has two open cases in Cuyahoga County – one for bad checks and another for both bad checks and theft. He also has an open case in Lorain County.

Azir was scheduled to appear in court on April 26 – four days before the alleged plot was to happen – but records show the hearing was continued.

Pyle said Azir met the five suspects at an Occupy protest on Oct. 21, 2011. According to Pyle, Azir started supplying the group with money, means and coaching to go through with the bomb plot.

The federal affidavit filed by the US Attorney’s Office refers to a “confidential human source” who worked with the FBI since July 20, 2011, and was paid $5,750 for services and $550 for expenses.

The document also states the source had a criminal record that included:
- Convicted of possession of cocaine in 1990
- Convicted of robbery in 1991
- Four convictions for passing bad checks between 1991 and 2011
- Currently on probation in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties for passing bad checks

“During the reporting period, the CHS has made audio and video recordings and provided information and intelligence that have led to the opening of several additional investigations. Your Affiant has been able to corroborate information provided by the CHS and the information has proven to be reliable,” stated federal investigators in the filing.

The affidavit said this informant gave the FBI information about these five people, who have been arrested and charged in connection with a plot to use explosives on the Route 82 bridge between Brecksville and Sagamaore Hills:

- Connor Stevens, 21
- Joshua Stafford, aka “Skully,” 24
- Douglas Wright, aka “Cyco,” 26
- Brandon Baxter, aka “Skabby,” 20
- Anthony Hayne, aka “Tony” & “Billy,” 37

The FBI said they monitored the group via video as they planted inert explosives at the base of the bridge Monday night. After they pressed the button to detonate and nothing happened, the five were taken into custody.

A grand jury indicted the five on Thursday.

Pyle has since said the five were coached and entrapped by Azir.

"We're going to put the government's conduct under a microscope and a jury will tell us whether they went over the line or not," Pyle said.

NewsChannel5’s Paul Kiska is trying to track down Azir today. Keep checking newsnet5.com for more information.