The detonation of home-made bombs continues to cause fear across the country. Sometimes, potential bombers reveal their intentions when their explosive devices go off when an explosion was not planned. A man in Amarillo was recently arrested after an explosion in his home alarmed both state and federal authorities.
The incident
The suspect was served with a federal criminal complaint on July 30 that accused him of one count of possessing an explosive device. The state of Texas also charged him with possession of the components of explosives. No one was harmed in the explosion, but the suspect was arrested. When officers inspected the man’s home, they allegedly found explosive components in his residence, backyard and the alleyway behind his home. The neighborhood was immediately evacuated, and people were allowed to return to their homes in two days.
The FBI Special Agent for Dallas summed up the charges by stating that the suspect “allegedly possessed a device with the potential to cause significant damage or injury to innocent people.”
The charges
The arrest warrant alleged that the suspect possessed explosives in violation of federal law. If the man is convicted, he faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The presumption of innocence
Like all criminal defendants, the suspect in this case is entitled to be presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty on the basis of evidence showing that no reasonable doubt remains about his guilt. In this case, for example, no evidence has been released about whether the suspect had a legitimate reason for possessing the explosive. The exact nature and source of the explosives may also provide a defense or at least a reason to minimize any sentence.
Anyone facing similar serious criminal charges may wish to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for advice on the strength of the evidence, potential defense strategies, and, where appropriate, assistance in negotiating a satisfactory plea agreement.