A man federal prosecutors say leads a neo-Nazi organization called the Maniac Murder Cult pleaded guilty Monday to planning hate crimes against Jewish people and racial minorities.

Michail Chkhikvishvili, 22, pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to soliciting hate crimes and transporting an explosive device.

According to the original indictment , Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Commander Butcher,” was planning a mass attack in New York in which someone dressed as Santa Claus would have distributed poisoned candy to Jewish children and racial minorities.

He faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in March. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence between 14 and 17 years.

Chkhikvishvili on Monday admitted to soliciting violent hate crimes against racial minorit

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