DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man is headed to federal prison for five years after admitting to possessing and using a Molotov cocktail. Theodore Cooke, 48, was sentenced on December 14, 2016, by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 60 months behind bars for Felon in Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, as announced by United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.
According to court records, the incident unfolded on November 2, 2015, when Cooke went to a Davenport residence seeking his girlfriend. After repeated failed attempts to coax her outside, Cooke escalated the situation, igniting a homemade Molotov cocktail and hurling it at a parked vehicle. The vehicle immediately caught fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Federal authorities classify a Molotov cocktail as a destructive device, legally requiring registration as a firearm – a requirement Cooke clearly ignored. The sentencing reflects the seriousness with which federal law treats such dangerous acts. Cooke will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term and must pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This wasn’t Cooke’s first brush with the law. He has two prior felony convictions in Scott County, Iowa – Burglary-First Degree and Burglary-Second Degree. His criminal history also includes convictions for Assault with Injury, Simple Assault, Cruelty to Animals, and additional assault charges, painting a clear pattern of violent behavior.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Davenport Police Department, and the Davenport Fire Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa successfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Cooke faced consequences for his actions. Cooke entered a guilty plea on August 17, 2016, with no plea agreement in place.
This case serves as a stark reminder that the manufacture and use of destructive devices will not be tolerated. Federal authorities are committed to prosecuting individuals who endanger public safety with such reckless and dangerous acts.
Media inquiries can be directed to Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300 or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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