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From the Associated Press: Federal agents found one of the largest stockpiles of homemade explosives they have ever seized when they arrested a Virginia man on a firearms charge last month, according to a court filing by federal prosecutors.
Investigators seized more than 150 pipe bombs and other homemade devices when they searched the home of Brad Spafford northwest of Norfolk in December, the prosecutors said in a motion filed Monday. The prosecutors wrote that this is believed to be “the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.”
Most of the bombs were found in a detached garage at the home in Isle of Wight County, along with tools and bomb-making materials including fuses and pieces of plastic pipe, according to court documents. The prosecutors also wrote: “Several additional apparent pipe bombs were found in a backpack in the home’s bedroom, completely unsecured,” in the home he shares with his wife and two young children.
Spafford, 36, was charged with possession of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. Law enforcement officers allege he owned an unregistered short barrel rifle. Prosecutors said that he faces “numerous additional potential charges” related to the explosives.
An informant, reportedly a ‘friend,’ told authorities in 2023 that Spafford was stockpiling weapons and ammunition, prompting the investigation.
Defense attorneys for Spafford wrote, “There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone and the contention that someone might be in danger because of their political views and comments is nonsensical.”
Journalist Ford Fischer shared details on the case in a lengthy X thread:
2) I first reported the case December 19 following Spafford’s arrest by the feds, who used a Confidential Human Source (CHS) for two years to get the warrant to arrest Spafford for the alleged Short Barrel Rifle.https://t.co/Lx1AlI1hYW
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
4) So who was this informant?
Detective Cardwell testified that the CHS had a 20 year law enforcement career, which Spafford knew, as a long-time friend and neighbor who often wore his police uniform and badge.https://t.co/NgpEtPOoms
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
6) As noted in this filing docketed after the hearing, Agent Cardwell also testified that Spafford told the CHS following the Trump assassination attempt “that he hoped the shooter doesn’t miss ‘Kamala.'” pic.twitter.com/nH0uEZUh5j
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
8) As also described in the document below, Detective Cardwell testified that Brad Spafford told his former law enforcement friend (then an informant wearing a wire) that he had primary explosive HMTD and secondary explosive ETN, and that he could fortify his property with a 50… pic.twitter.com/eq7LrUKTdv
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
10) The gun, which was the subject of the search warrant and currently the only item for which Spafford is charged, was found in his safe.
The barrel length was determined to be 10.5 inches (the tip can be screwed off and therefore doesn’t count), which is allegedly too short. pic.twitter.com/4Fo1OAudQB
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
12) The feds allegedly recovered one “improvised claymore” as well.
Caldwell said all but 9 explosives were detonated on scene.
This would explain the “loud booms” reported by @WAVY_News – the feds blowing up approximately 140 explosive devices.https://t.co/NQDA7bHwog pic.twitter.com/UfpPrHS6Zv
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
14) Lastly, the feds say they found a journal including an inventory and recipes for explosives. pic.twitter.com/wWnO8Xv2yP
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
16) Cross-exam, cont’d:
-“As of now” FBI has no knowledge of steps taken to commit assassinations or anti-gov’t activities, only rhetoric.
-No threats that they’re aware of.
-The FBI began surveilling Spafford but never themselves witnessed him engage in illegal activity.
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
18) Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard found probable cause and moved on to detention.
Defense attorney Jeffrey Swartz argued for Spafford’s release.
Prosecutor Emily Gantt called this “the largest seizure of finished explosive devices in FBI history.”
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
20) Defense attorney Jeffrey Swartz argued that Spafford has two children, steady employment, no criminal history, and in two years of FBI investigation, there was never any evidence of threats or intent to use any explosive device.
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
22) The prosecution said they would appeal Spafford’s pre-trial release, and as of this thread, that has already occurred.
Brad Spafford remains detained for now, pending the outcome of the government’s appeal. pic.twitter.com/VGvbtDB9kM
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
23) NEW: Brad Spafford’s response to the government’s motion to revoke his order of release.
“The United States’ position that Mr. Spafford is a danger is rank speculation and fear mongering. There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone… pic.twitter.com/nL52HRK34j
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) December 31, 2024
FBI finds 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home in one of the largest such seizures, prosecutors say https://t.co/TqobkIjJov
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 1, 2025
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