CINCINNATI, OH – A brazen act of violence in Butler County, Ohio, has landed a New York man in federal court after he pleaded guilty to possessing and deploying an unregistered incendiary device. Farhan Jami, 28, of East Meadow, New York, admitted today to intentionally setting an explosive on a victim’s property, risking lives and causing potential devastation.
According to court documents, Jami flew into Ohio in May 2023, not with luggage packed for a vacation, but with the ingredients for a homemade bomb. He carried thermite – a highly volatile explosive powder – and sparklers, intending to construct a device capable of igniting a fire. This wasn’t a spontaneous act; Jami meticulously planned the attack, arriving prepared to inflict harm.
In the early hours of May 16th, Jami drove to the victim’s residence and assembled the incendiary device using the thermite, sparklers, and a ceramic pot. He then placed it directly on the hood of a car parked at the home and ignited the sparklers, initiating the explosive reaction before fleeing the scene as flames began to erupt. The entire operation was captured on home security footage, clearly showing Jami taking precautions to conceal his identity – wearing a hat, surgical mask, and gloves – a clear indication of premeditation.
Law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene, quickly locating Jami in a nearby vehicle. The evidence against him was damning. Officers observed red residue on his clothing, consistent with thermite. The lighter, hat, mask, gloves used in the commission of the crime, and a bag containing additional thermite were also recovered. The scene painted a clear picture: Jami wasn’t simply present, he was actively involved in a dangerous and calculated assault.
Possessing an unregistered destructive device is a serious federal offense, carrying a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The ultimate sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland, taking into account advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division, jointly announced the guilty plea.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy S. Mangan and Ryan A. Keefe are prosecuting the case, ensuring that Jami is held accountable for his reckless and dangerous actions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ATF’s commitment to investigating and dismantling those who threaten public safety with explosive devices. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.
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