South Bend, Indiana – Branden Furnari, 31, is behind bars and facing federal charges after allegedly selling bomb-making components to an undercover law enforcement officer for $800. The transaction, which included detonation cord and blasting caps, set off an immediate federal investigation culminating in his arrest.
Furnari, a resident of South Bend, is charged with possession of a destructive device not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. According to court documents, the sale wasn’t a one-off deal—he walked the undercover agent through the assembly process, detailing how to use the Det cord and blasting caps he provided.
The sting operation unfolded with precision, federal sources confirm. Furnari reportedly made no attempt to hide the nature of the components, openly discussing their explosive potential. The exchange, recorded in full, has become central evidence in the case now building against him in U.S. District Court.
“My office will continue to aggressively prosecute violations of federal firearms laws,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch, underscoring the seriousness of illegal weapons trade. “When individuals traffic in destructive devices, they threaten the safety of entire communities.”
Federal authorities stress that the complaint is merely an allegation, and Furnari is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, the judge will determine his sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines—potentially including years behind bars.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, with critical support from the South Bend Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Barrett is prosecuting the case, signaling a coordinated crackdown on illegal weapons trafficking in northern Indiana.
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