Fresno Man Sentenced for Possession of a Pipe Bomb
Fresno, Calif. — In a shocking case of explosives gone wrong, 36-year-old Jon Smilanick was sentenced to 30 months in prison for possession of a pipe bomb in violation of the National Firearms Act.
According to court documents, on January 9, 2013, police were called to Smilanick’s ex-neighbors’ home with the report of a bomb detonating. They found the remnants of a detonated pipe bomb.
The ex-neighbors reported that they believed that Smilanick had detonated the device as they had had ongoing problems with him. Smilanick’s wife later claimed that she had hidden the bomb because she did not want him to have it.
Police obtained a search warrant for Smilanick’s residence and found bomb-making materials in the garage and a live pipe bomb in the house. Another neighbor came forward, stating that he had heard explosions from Smilanick’s residence on two occasions and had once seen a man matching Smilanick’s build throw something over the back fence and then heard a loud explosion.
Smilanick admitted to manufacturing the devices, referring to them as ‘firecrackers.’ He stated that he had been making them since he was in the sixth grade and had taught himself to make pipe bombs, producing three devices this year. None of the devices were registered with the National Registration and Transfer Record.
Special Agent in Charge Joseph Riehl praised the cooperation between law enforcement and the community, stating, ‘This investigation is an example of the excellent cooperation we have with both the Fresno Police Department and the community as a whole. Because of this cooperation, we were able to seize these dangerous explosive devices, and ensure the violator faces justice.’
Related Federal Cases
- Teranee Millet, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Destructive Device, California 2023 · Washington
- Nishith Tharaka Vandebona, Death Threats and Bomb Threats, California 2022 · California
- Ryan Scott Bradford, Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Possession of Machine Guns, California 2023 · California
- Billy Fobbs, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, California 2024 · Florida
- Billy Fobbs, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, California 2023 · California
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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