Federal authorities have charged Rory Mocarsky, 47, and David Bourne, 37, both of Hartland, Connecticut, with serious federal firearms and explosives violations following a 2018 incident that began with gunfire and explosions on Mocarsky’s property. The charges stem from a disturbing cache of weapons and suspected homemade bombs uncovered by law enforcement after a viral YouTube video exposed their activities.
On December 6, 2018, Connecticut State Police rushed to Mocarsky’s Hartland residence after receiving reports of explosions and live gunfire. Officers arrived to find a scene straight out of a militia training camp: an 8mm rifle, three .22 caliber rifles, a suspected homemade silencer, ammunition, a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), post-blast IED fragments, and suspected explosive materials were recovered during a search. A follow-up search in Tunxis State Forest in East Hartland turned up metal shards and remnants of a PVC pipe—hallmarks of a crude explosive device.
The investigation took a sharper turn when authorities traced a YouTube video showing Mocarsky and Bourne conducting live-fire and detonation experiments. That footage, investigators say, was the smoking gun that launched a joint probe by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Connecticut State Police. Digital devices seized from the property are now undergoing forensic analysis for further evidence.
Rory Mocarsky is charged with one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Court records allege Mocarsky was convicted of a state felony drug offense in 1994—a conviction that legally bars him from owning any firearm or ammunition that has crossed state or international lines. He was initially arrested on a federal criminal complaint April 17, 2019, and is currently free on a $10,000 bond. His arraignment on the indictment is scheduled for May 17.
David Bourne, 37, was taken into custody May 8 and charged with two counts of possession of unregistered destructive devices. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford, pleaded not guilty, and remains in custody. A detention hearing is set for May 14. Each count against both defendants carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, who announced the indictments, emphasized that an indictment is not a conviction. “Charges are only allegations,” Durham stated. “A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Related Federal Cases
- Leonard Sikorski Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Possession · Connecticut
- Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Possession · Connecticut
- Stephen Goins Sentenced to 37 Months for Firearm Possession · Connecticut
- Aldric Bordeaux Gets 15 Years for Firearm Possession · Connecticut
- Raekwon Overstreet Indicted on Federal Firearm Charge · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons