David W. Surman Jr., Explosive Device Manufacture and Detonation, Pennsylvania 2018

Milford Township, PA – A Bucks County man was sentenced this week for a series of late-night explosions that terrorized Upper Bucks County in the spring of 2018. David W. Surman, Jr. pleaded guilty to felony charges related to the manufacture and detonation of multiple explosive devices, bringing a close to a case that captivated and frightened local residents.

The investigation began following a rash of reported explosions throughout May and June of 2018. Police quickly zeroed in on Surman, the proprietor of a local chemical company, after receiving numerous complaints and witnessing suspicious activity. A search of Surman’s home and business in June 2018 uncovered four constructed explosive devices and a significant quantity of chemicals commonly used in their creation. Forensic analysis later definitively linked Surman to several blast sites, confirming his direct involvement in the incidents.

Co-conspirator Involved

Surman wasn’t acting alone. Tina M. Smith, also of Milford Township, pleaded guilty to possessing or transporting an explosive or incendiary device. Smith admitted to driving the vehicle from which Surman deployed the explosives prior to their detonation. Authorities believe Smith acted as an accomplice, facilitating the placement of the devices. Her role was crucial in enabling Surman’s destructive acts.

Dual Guilty Pleas & Sentencing

In addition to the explosives charges, Surman also entered a guilty plea in a separate case involving the discovery of child pornography on an electronic storage device found during the initial search of his home. He was charged with criminal use of a communications facility and unlawful use of a computer in connection with this disturbing find. The convergence of these two cases painted a picture of a deeply troubled individual capable of extreme and dangerous behavior.

Legal Ramifications

On January 27, 2020, Surman was sentenced to one day less than one year to one day less than two years incarceration at the Bucks County Correctional Facility, followed by a ten-year probationary period. This sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, particularly the manufacture and use of weapons of mass destruction. Smith received a sentence of four and a half years of probation for her role as an accomplice. Both defendants expressed remorse in court, acknowledging the fear and disruption their actions caused within the community.

The Charges

Surman faced charges under Pennsylvania State law for Weapons of Mass Destruction and Conspiracy to commit the same. He also pleaded guilty to Criminal Use of a Communications Facility and Unlawful Use of a Computer related to the child pornography case. Smith was convicted of Possessing or Transporting an Explosive or Incendiary Device. The case underscores the potential danger posed by individuals involved in the illicit manufacture and deployment of explosive devices, as well as the importance of vigilant law enforcement and thorough investigation.

Key Facts

• Defendant: David W. Surman, Jr. & Tina M. Smith
• Location: Milford Township, Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania
• Timeline: Explosions occurred in May and June 2018; sentencing in January 2020
• Charges: Weapons of Mass Destruction, Conspiracy, Explosives Transport, Communications Facility Misuse, Unlawful Computer Use, and Child Pornography.
• Penalties: Surman – 1 year less than 1 year to 1 year less than 2 years imprisonment + 10 years probation. Smith – 4.5 years probation.
• Evidence: Four explosive devices and explosive-making chemicals found during search. Forensic links to blast sites.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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