An 84-year-old man in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was arrested after investigators say he was manufacturing and selling explosives from his home, with detectives uncovering several pounds of explosive powders, nearly 18 pounds of explosive precursors and numerous homemade devices during a search. John W. Sinkankas now faces a felony charge tied to the materials found inside his house, and authorities say the case is far from over.
According to kplctv.com, detectives with the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives searched Sinkankas's home on Oct. 2 as part of a joint investigation. The outlet reports that investigators believe Sinkankas was manufacturing and selling explosive devices out of the residence, which authorities say sits roughly 500 feet from a school, though fox4beaumont.com describes the distance as less than 500 feet from the campus.
Devices Disguised as Fireworks Packed Illegal Materials
Investigators say the devices Sinkankas allegedly built were designed to look like ordinary fireworks, and investigators determined they held illegal amounts of explosive material. As americanpress.com reported, investigators confirmed that while the items were built to resemble fireworks, they in fact contained unlawful quantities of explosive components.
The search of the home turned up several pounds of explosive powders, about 18 pounds of explosive precursors, numerous homemade explosives, and the equipment used to assemble them, the station's report notes. That haul led investigators to believe Sinkankas had set up what amounted to a small-scale explosives operation inside a residential home.
Booked on a Delayed-Action Incendiary Device Charge
Sinkankas was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on a charge of manufacture and possession of a delayed-action incendiary device, per the same account. That offense traces to Louisiana's R.S. 14:54.2, which makes it unlawful, without the required license, to knowingly and intentionally possess or control certain explosive instruments, devices or chemicals, according to the Louisiana Legislature.
Sinkankas was released the day after his arrest on a $150,000 bond set by Judge Tony Fazzio, americanpress.com reported. The relatively quick release did not come with any sign that the case was closing out — quite the opposite, according to investigators.
Investigators Say More Charges Could Follow
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office spokesperson Kayla Vincent told americanpress.com that the joint investigation remains active and that additional charges against Sinkankas are possible. Beyond that statement, authorities have not detailed what further evidence they are pursuing or when any new charges might be filed.
The case was also reported by Atlanta News First, which cited deputies describing the arrest of the 84-year-old on allegations of creating and selling explosives from his Lake Charles home. For now, the scope of any sales, the number of devices involved and the identity of the nearby school have not been disclosed by investigators.
