Acting U.S. attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced today that a federal grand jury in Cleveland has filed an indictment against Oliver Smith, 51, of Youngstown, Ohio, for possession of explosive devices, a felon in possession of a firearm and an unregistered silencer .
“This defendant allegedly owned a number of working improvised explosive devices that posed a significant and unacceptable threat to others,” said acting US attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “We are incredibly grateful to law enforcement for safely locating and securing this device before anyone was seriously injured or killed.”
“This person acquired dangerous explosives and firearms that he was forbidden to possess,” said FBI special agent in charge, Eric B. Smith. “As in this case, the FBI encourages the public to report such information to law enforcement agencies and to stay put.” Alert for suspicious or criminal activity. “
According to court records, the Adult Parole Authority (APA) and law enforcement officers learned in October 2020 that the defendant allegedly had a gun with an attached silencer in his possession in his Youngtown residence. At the time of the incident, the defendant was under the supervision of the APA in connection with a previous drug possession conviction and was prohibited from holding a firearm due to a previous grievous bodily harm conviction.
Law enforcement officers made a home visit and searched the defendant’s residence under the supervision of the APA. The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint states that during the search, law enforcement officers located and confiscated multiple rounds of ammunition and a firearm with a silencer attached that were not registered in the legally required national firearms registration and transfer protocol.
After obtaining more information about additional potential weapons in the defendant’s home, the FBI law enforcement officers conducted a second search of the property. The officers retrieved two arrows that were allegedly modified and filled with explosive powder, taped with nails and equipped with detonators. When examined by FBI agents trained in explosive devices, it was found that these arrows are functional and can explode on impact.
In addition, the agents found two devices that were allegedly filled with explosive powder and ball bearings. During the investigation by FBI agents trained in explosive devices, it was found that these devices are functional and explode when electrically initiated and power the ball bearings as splinters.
An indictment is just an indictment and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it is the government’s job to prove the guilt beyond any doubt.
If convicted, the judgment of the accused will be determined by the court after considering factors unique to the case, including any previous criminal record of the accused, the role of the accused in the offense, and the characteristics of the offense.
In all cases the penalty will not exceed the legal maximum, and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case has been investigated by the APA and the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by United States Assistant Attorney Duncan T. Brown.
