A Jacksonville man has entered a guilty plea to federal charges of possession and transfer of a destructive device, according to United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg's announcement on the U.S. Attorney's Office website. Shane Allen Gibson, 45, could serve up to 10 years for possession and an additional 15 years for transferring the device to a known felon.
The plea agreement, detailed in the announcement, revealed that on April 20, 2023, Gibson had both in his possession and subsequently transferred a homemade bomb to a convicted felon. The bomb, classified as a destructive device, was one of three he provided. To make matters worse, it was affirmed through lab tests that the bomb contained explosive powder and was packed with screws and fasteners, making it deceptively deadly and indiscriminate in its potential harm.
Laboratory analysis confirmed that the device was constructed with an aerial shell and pyrotechnic fuse. An expert examiner from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) concluded that the ignition of the fuse would, after a brief delay, generate explosive effects that could critically inflict damage, injuries, or even cause death to individuals in the vicinity.
Investigating the case was the ATF, with Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry spearheading the prosecution.
