A 25-year-old Willow Grove man faces serious charges after allegedly carrying a homemade firebomb, a Molotov cocktail, into Center City Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve.
Jacob Dean Robotin, 25, of Willow Grove, PA, was arrested and charged by Criminal Complaint on charges of possessing an unregistered destructive device, specifically, a homemade firebomb, also known as a ‘Molotov cocktail.’
The Complaint alleges that, on the evening of December 31, 2020, members of a large group of individuals wearing dark clothing vandalized the Federal Detention Center, the Robert C. Nix Federal Building, and other property in Center City Philadelphia by spray painting, setting off fireworks, and breaking windows.
Shortly thereafter, at 600 Sansom Street, Philadelphia Police officers stopped three individuals, including the defendant. Robotin had a green, military-style backpack and was wearing dark clothing with spray paint on Robotin’s pants. After other police officers identified the three individuals as being among the larger group which had members participating in the vandalism of the Nix Building that evening, officers placed Robotin and the other two individuals under arrest.
According to the Complaint, officers found a glass bottle containing liquid and fuses, along with some tape inside Robotin’s backpack. Officers noticed that the glass bottle had a heavy odor of flammable liquid. In addition, the backpack contained additional fuses, lighters, camping heat sources, and fireworks, among other items.
The Philadelphia Police Bomb Disposal Unit took custody of these items and later transferred custody of the items to the FBI. The Explosives Unit of FBI’s Laboratory later determined that the glass bottle contained gasoline, and together with the fuses, comprised a homemade firebomb, or Molotov cocktail.
Earlier today, Robotin was arrested by the FBI and had an initial appearance in federal court. The defendant has been released on conditions.
“Homemade Molotov cocktails can be incredibly dangerous,” Acting U.S. Attorney Williams said. “Here, the defendant is alleged to have carried all of the materials needed to endanger the lives of many people. Luckily, Philadelphia Police arrested Robotin before anyone was hurt. Let this case serve as a warning to others who might consider acting in a similar way – possession of a Molotov cocktail is not protected speech nor harmless hijinks; it is a serious federal crime.”
Defendant: Jacob Dean Robotin
Criminal Charges: Possessing an unregistered destructive device
City and State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Exact Date: December 31, 2020
Sentence or Outcome: Released on conditions. Faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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