The U.S. Justice Department recently announced the indictment of 20-year-old Lucas Alexander Temple of Sarasota on multiple charges, including possession of an unregistered firearm and offenses related to child sexual abuse material. Temple could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted on these charges.
During a November 20 search of Temple's residence, federal agents found a sawed-off shotgun that was not registered. Investigators also discovered pipe bombs, firearms, ammunition, explosive-making materials, Nazi propaganda, mass shooting documents, and paraphernalia from the extremist Atomwaffen Division, suggesting plans for a racially motivated attack.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force found that Temple communicated online with others about violence against minorities and allegedly shared instructions on making explosives. Agents also discovered that he received sexually explicit images of a minor on at least two occasions, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and violent crime. The program involves the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods, working with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Stoia and Risha Asokan.
The charges against Temple involve violent extremism and child exploitation. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
