Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Joplin man charged with possession of a pipe bomb

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma)

Richard C. Cole, 36, of Joplin, Missouri, was charged today by way of criminal complaint with possession of an unregistered destructive device discovered at a residence in Afton, Oklahoma, from which he was recently evicted.

According to the Complaint affidavit, on August 25, Delaware County Sheriff’s deputies were called to 27950 South Highway 25, Unit 27-1, in Afton, OK, when a landlord discovered a suspected improvised explosive device. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad was contacted, and upon arrival, they observed two, one pound canisters of what appeared to be “mixed Tannerite,” two boxes of ammunition, along with the explosive device in an ammunition container.



United States Attorney Trent Shores stated, “I am thankful no one was injured by the pipe bomb. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are to be commended for quickly handling the situation in order to protect the public and render this destructive device safe.”

Agencies involved in the investigation and arrest included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad, and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert T. Raley is prosecuting the case. AUSA Raley is the National Security Anti-Terrorism (ATAC) Prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma

A Complaint is a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

No comments: