Dylan Raymond Orr, Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device, Minnesota 2022

MAPLEWOOD, MN – Dylan Raymond Orr, 27, of Maplewood, Minnesota, has confessed to illegally possessing an unregistered pipe bomb, federal authorities announced Wednesday. The case, investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Savage Police Department, stemmed from disturbing images discovered on Orr’s phone.

The investigation began in April 2022 after law enforcement received photos sent from Orr’s phone depicting what appeared to be two homemade pipe bombs. The images revealed small BBs adhered to the exterior of the devices, a detail that raised immediate red flags. This prompted a search warrant to be executed at Orr’s Maplewood residence.

During the search, authorities uncovered the components of a potentially deadly weapon: two six-inch pipes, one already fitted with the aforementioned BBs, four end caps, and a quantity of explosive powder. These materials, investigators determined, could be readily assembled into a fully functional destructive device. Crucially, Orr had not registered these components with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, a clear violation of federal law.

On Wednesday, Orr pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device. The specific charge carries a significant penalty, though sentencing details have not yet been scheduled. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Andrew M. Luger, is prosecuting the case.

The discovery of the pipe bomb components raises questions about Orr’s intent, though authorities have remained tight-lipped regarding potential motives. Sources close to the investigation suggest the photos were sent to a third party, but the nature of that relationship and the context of the transmission remain under wraps. The ATF’s St. Paul Field Division led the technical analysis of the recovered materials.

Assistant U.S. Attorney LeeAnn K. Bell is handling the prosecution, and is expected to present a sentencing recommendation to Judge Brasel in the coming weeks. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, shedding light on the dark underbelly of weapons trafficking and illegal explosive devices in the Midwest.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Heath Tyler Bryan, Firearm Possession, Oklahoma 2024

May 22, 2024

Weapons

James Prescott III, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Maine 2021

Sep 9, 2021

Weapons

Charlie D. Vick, Gun Theft from Licensed Dealer, Massachusetts 2018

May 16, 2019

Weapons

Cole Carini, Possessing Unregistered Explosives Device, Virginia 2020

Jul 21, 2021