Fort Smith, Ark. – Neil Ravi Mehta, a 31-year-old man from Fort Smith, was caught in Austin, Texas yesterday after a relentless six-day manhunt that put the public’s safety at risk. The suspect, who police warned could be armed and dangerous, is now facing serious federal charges after authorities discovered an unregistered destructive device at his residence.
According to court documents, Mehta was found with an ‘improvised explosive bomb’ during a federal search warrant executed in Fort Smith. The bomb was located on the top left corner of the kitchen island and promptly x-rayed by bomb technicians to ensure public safety before being collected as evidence.
Mehta has been charged with Unlawful Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison if convicted. A Grand Jury will review the evidence and decide whether additional charges should be filed against him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser are handling the prosecution of this case.
The operation was a joint investigation involving multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DOC-BIS-OEE, IRS-CI, and DOL-OIG. The announcement of Mehta’s arrest was made by U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas.
This is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregistered weapons and the importance of law enforcement collaboration in keeping our communities safe. As this case proceeds, it underscores the serious nature of possessing an unregistered destructive device and the consequences that await those who choose to break the law.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News