(KTLA) – Federal prosecutors struggled Monday to take a man into custody after investigators made “the largest seizure of homemade explosives in FBI history” at his home earlier this month, court documents said. It became clear.
The investigation into Virginia resident Brad Spafford began after a neighbor notified law enforcement that he lost three fingers on his right hand while working with explosives in 2021, according to a federal criminal complaint. Accordingly, it is said that it will start in 2023.
Neighbors also claimed that Mr. Spafford also stocked weapons and homemade ammunition on his 20-acre farm on the Isle of Wight, Virginia, about 295 miles south of Washington, D.C.
On December 17, federal agents arrested Spafford for possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and reportedly carried “not only the rifle, but also more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices, believed to be pipe bombs. We also discovered a stockpile of equipment,” the complaint states.
Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other weapons and tools for making explosives from a Virginia man on December 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other weapons and tools used to make explosives. On December 17, 2024, a Virginia man manufactured explosives. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipes. On December 17, 2024, a bomb was seized from a Virginia man, along with other weapons and tools used to make explosives. (FBI) Federal agents on December 17 seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other weapons and tools used to make explosives from a Virginia man. 17th, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other weapons and tools used to make explosives. December 17, 2024, Virginia Man. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other weapons and tools for making explosives from a Virginia man on December 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents recovered 150 homemade pipe bombs and other weapons and tools for making explosives from a Virginia man on December 17, 2024. (FBI) Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other weapons and tools for making explosives from a Virginia man on December 17, 2024. (FBI)
Prosecutors said most of the explosives were found in Spafford’s detached garage, organized by color, with some labeled “lethal” and others labeled “obviously wearable.” It was loaded in his vest.”
Additional pipe bombs were found unsecured in the defendant’s room in a backpack marked with “#nolivesmatter.”
Federal agents also recovered explosives, homemade mortars, and tools and materials used to manufacture riot control equipment, the complaint details.
Inside Mr Spafford’s freezer, explosion technicians discovered HMTD, an “extremely unstable explosive that can detonate solely as a result of friction caused by temperature changes” and warned: “Do not touch. ” and the words “Dangerous” were posted on it.
Notes recovered during the search allegedly contained an extensive list of explosive recipes, including how to make materials such as HMTD, military explosive C-4, and other lethal devices such as grenades.
Federal prosecutors said Spafford expressed anti-government views and used a photo of President Biden for target practice at a local shooting range, saying he “posed an extreme danger to the community.” “There is,” he said.
“Even after losing his own finger to a homemade explosive, he clearly made the surprising decision to store a highly dangerous explosive in his home’s freezer next to groceries available to his entire family,” prosecutors said. The side argued. An attempt to keep him imprisoned.
The federal judge overseeing Monday’s hearing initially denied the government’s request to detain Spafford, but later put the decision to release him on hold while the judge considered additional evidence presented by prosecutors. It was done.
Spafford’s lawyers argued for pretrial release, saying he is not dangerous, but is a hard-working family man with no criminal history.
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