A young man from Mason, Ohio, was recently taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force, under suspicion of possessing an unregistered explosive device. According to an FBI press release, 20-year-old James River Phillips was arrested following federal court-authorized activities in several Ohio locations, including Mason, Oxford, and Liberty Township.
"The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested James River Phillips after he allegedly possessed a dangerous destructive device," FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge, Elena Iatarola confirmed via the FBI press release, "The FBI and our partners worked together to ensure his actions were stopped before there was any risk to public safety." This statement comes in the backdrop of an incident last year where an improvised explosive device, or IED, was found at an outdoor sports complex by a local police officer on September 22, 2024, and later disarmed by the Butler County Bomb Squad.
Investigative efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force led them to identify Phillips as the prime suspect responsible for leaving the device. The Task Force also linked him to other incidents, suggesting he possessed and possibly detonated explosives in the past. The ongoing investigation is supported by multiple agencies, including the Lebanon Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
It is important to note that the criminal complaint filed against Phillips currently contains only allegations. Defendants like Phillips are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in law. In this case, Emily N. Glatfelter, Deputy Criminal Chief with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, represents the United States. Details on Phillips' detention conditions or possible bail arrangements remain unavailable.
