What started as a routine day at a West Allis landscaping company turned into a bomb-squad scene, as police say they uncovered materials that could be turned into pipe bombs inside an office. Prosecutors have charged 48-year-old Joseph Godlewski, an employee at Metropolitan Maintenance and Landscaping, with one felony count of possessing an improvised explosive device. Officers evacuated the building and called in the Milwaukee bomb squad after finding powders, fuses and disassembled tubes in an office area. Godlewski is free on bond and is due back in court next month.
Bodycam shows officers opening desk packed with materials
Body-worn camera footage obtained by CBS 58 shows an officer rifling through a desk drawer and stopping cold at the sight of powder-filled bags, wires and what appear to be fuse sticks. Investigators are seen photographing and bagging each item, a process that helps explain why the City of Milwaukee Bomb Squad cleared the workplace and spent hours hauling out anything that might pose a risk.
What police say they pulled from the office
According to police and court records, investigators recovered bags of chemical powders including sulfur, potassium nitrate and aluminum, along with cylindrical tubes, fuses, glue sticks and a digital scale, FOX6 reports. A bomb-squad sergeant told prosecutors the stash contained a mix of inert and active components that, if assembled, could be used to build multiple improvised explosive devices. Officers say the items were found disassembled, but that the presence of fuses and wicks raised the stakes during the Dec. 30 search.
Felony charge and what comes next in court
WBAY reports that Godlewski is charged with one felony count of possessing an improvised explosive device and remains out on bond while the case moves toward a plea and sentencing schedule next month. Bodycam audio quoted by WBAY captures Godlewski telling officers, "This is crazy man, like, I know where this could lead," before asking for a lawyer. Prosecutors say the charge carries a maximum possible sentence of six years in prison.
Anonymous tip sparked investigation months after alleged blast
Court filings show the case began with an anonymous tip in December claiming Godlewski had built and detonated a device behind the business in July 2025, according to WISN. Local outlets first reported on the charges in January, with earlier pipe bomb coverage collecting those initial details.
Business owner, neighbors react as safety questions swirl
The owner of Metropolitan Maintenance and Landscaping told reporters he allowed officers to search the property but otherwise declined to comment, CBS 58 notes. Neighbors and workers described a rattled workplace in the aftermath of the discovery, and investigators say releasing the bodycam video was meant to show the public exactly what officers encountered as they wrapped up the most safety-sensitive part of the probe.
The case remains active on the West Allis court calendar. Police and prosecutors say more information will be released in coming weeks as additional filings land and hearings play out.
