In a recent court verdict, a federal jury in Medford has convicted a southern Oregon man for his involvement in boobytrapping a home, which resulted in the injury of an FBI bomb technician. The man, identified as Gregory Lee Rodvelt, was found guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using/discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. The incident took place on September 7, 2018, when bomb technicians arrived at the property that Rodvelt had lost in a lawsuit. Upon their arrival, the technicians discovered various booby traps, including steel animal traps, homemade spike strips, and a rigged hot tub. The verdict carries severe penalties, with the possibility of up to 20 years in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer and potential life imprisonment for using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentencing will be determined later by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane. The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from Oregon State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Overview
In a recent case that shocked the state of Oregon, a federal jury in Medford has convicted a southern Oregon man for boobytrapping his former home, resulting in the injury of an FBI bomb technician. Gregory Lee Rodvelt, a 71-year-old resident of Williams, Oregon, was found guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. This comprehensive article will provide an in-depth analysis of the incident, the legal proceedings, the injuries and damages caused, the boobytraps discovered, the law enforcement response, the legal consequences, the investigating agencies involved, and the prosecutors and defense in this case. With the sentencing pending, it is crucial to understand the implications of this case.
Summary
A former resident of Williams, Oregon, Gregory Lee Rodvelt, boobytrapped his former property after learning that a receiver had been appointed to sell it. Bomb technicians from the Oregon State Police and the FBI arrived at the property and discovered a minivan blocking the gate, steel animal traps affixed to a gate post and underneath the minivan’s hood, homemade spike strips, a rigged hot tub, barred windows, security doors, and a modified rat trap connected to the main garage door. When law enforcement officers breached the front door, they encountered a wheelchair that triggered a homemade shotgun device, injuring an FBI bomb technician. Rodvelt was found guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Oregon State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judith R. Harper and Jeffrey S. Sweet. The sentencing is yet to be determined by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
Background
Incident Details
On September 7, 2018, bomb technicians from the Oregon State Police and the FBI went to a property in Williams, Oregon, previously owned by Gregory Lee Rodvelt. Rodvelt had lost the property in a lawsuit, and after learning that a receiver had been appointed to sell it, he proceeded to boobytrap the premises. When law enforcement officers arrived at the property, they encountered various traps and security measures designed to harm anyone entering the area.
Investigation
The investigation into this incident was conducted jointly by the FBI, the Oregon State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The agencies worked together to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the boobytraps and the extent of the damage caused. The investigation aimed to establish the extent of Rodvelt’s involvement in boobytrapping the property and the potential motivation behind his actions.
Legal Proceedings
Guilty Verdict
After careful examination of the evidence presented in court, a federal jury in Medford found Gregory Lee Rodvelt guilty of multiple crimes. The charges included assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The guilty verdict indicates that the jury believed there was sufficient evidence to prove Rodvelt’s culpability beyond a reasonable doubt.
Charges
The charges filed against Rodvelt include assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon is a serious offense, carrying a potential punishment of up to 20 years in federal prison. Using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence is an even more severe offense, with a potential punishment of up to life in federal prison.
Possible Sentencing
Rodvelt’s sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane at a later date. The severity of the charges against Rodvelt suggests that he may face a significant prison sentence. The judge will consider various factors, including the extent of the injuries caused to the federal officer and the potential danger posed by Rodvelt’s actions. The sentencing will also take into account any mitigating factors presented by the defense.
Injury and Damage
Injured Federal Officer
During the boobytrap incident, an FBI bomb technician was injured by a homemade shotgun device triggered by a wheelchair. The technician was struck below the knee by a .410 shotgun shell discharged from the device. The injuries sustained by the federal officer were significant, and immediate medical attention was required. The injured officer received first aid at the scene and was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The extent of the long-term effects of the injuries on the technician’s well-being remains to be seen.
Property Damage
Rodvelt’s boobytrapping of the property resulted in extensive damage. The property’s windows were barred from the inside, indicating a deliberate attempt to hinder access. Additionally, security doors were installed at both the front and rear entrances, further reinforcing the intent to protect the property through unauthorized entry. These security measures, along with the homemade spike strips and steel animal traps affixed to various parts of the property, demonstrate the extent of the damage caused by Rodvelt’s actions.
Boobytraps Discovered
Steel Animal Traps
Upon arrival at the property, law enforcement officers discovered steel animal traps that had been affixed to a gate post and underneath the hood of a minivan blocking the gate. The traps were likely intended to cause harm or injury to anyone attempting to access the property.
Homemade Spike Strips
The technicians also located homemade spike strips on the property. These spike strips were previously run over by the receiver of the property, indicating an attempt by Rodvelt to prevent or deter entry.
Rigged Hot Tub
One of the more alarming discoveries at the property was a hot tub that had been placed on its side and rigged in a way that, when a gate was opened, it would roll toward the person opening the gate. This boobytrap posed a serious risk to anyone approaching the gate, potentially causing injury or harm.
Barred Windows
The windows of the residence on the property were found to be barred from the inside. This security measure suggests that Rodvelt intended to restrict access to the property by reinforcing the barriers around the windows.
Security Doors
Both the front and rear entrances of the residence were secured with security doors. These doors were likely installed to prevent unauthorized access and protect the property from intrusion.
Modified Rat Trap
An alarming discovery in the garage was a rat trap that had been modified to accept a shotgun shell. Although the trap was unloaded, it was connected to the main garage door, providing evidence of the potentially lethal consequences someone would face upon opening the door.
Law Enforcement Response
Breach of Front Door
In order to safely enter the property and assess the situation, law enforcement officers were forced to breach the fortified front door. They used an explosive charge to gain access, allowing them to enter the residence and search for additional traps or hazards. This method of breaching the door required caution and precision to minimize the risk of further injury.
First Aid and Medical Assistance
After the FBI bomb technician was injured by the homemade shotgun device triggered by the wheelchair, law enforcement officers attending the scene provided immediate first aid. The injured officer was then transported to a local hospital for further medical attention. The swift response and provision of first aid ensured that the injured federal officer received prompt medical care.
Legal Consequences
Assaulting a Federal Officer
One of the charges filed against Gregory Lee Rodvelt is assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon. This offense carries a potential punishment of up to 20 years in federal prison. Assaulting a federal officer is considered a severe crime due to the potential impact on law enforcement officers and the critical role they play in maintaining public safety.
Using and Discharging a Firearm
The second charge filed against Rodvelt is using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. This offense carries the potential punishment of up to life in federal prison. The discharge of a firearm in the commission of a crime reflects the level of danger and intent demonstrated by Rodvelt’s actions.
Investigating Agencies
FBI
The FBI played a crucial role in investigating the incident. As a federal law enforcement agency, the FBI has the jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes committed against federal officers. Their expertise in dealing with explosive devices and their collaboration with other agencies facilitated a comprehensive investigation into the boobytrapping incident.
Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police joined forces with the FBI in investigating this case. Their bomb technicians were among the first to respond to the property in Williams, where the boobytraps were discovered. By working closely with the FBI, the Oregon State Police played a critical role in uncovering the extent of the boobytraps and ensuring the safety of their fellow law enforcement officers.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also contributed to the investigation of the boobytrapping incident. Given their expertise in firearms and explosives, the ATF’s involvement helped provide insights into the nature of the devices used by Rodvelt and the potential impact they could have had on the federal officers involved.
Prosecutors and Defense
Judith R. Harper
Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith R. Harper played a pivotal role in prosecuting Gregory Lee Rodvelt. As a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, Harper was responsible for presenting the evidence and arguing the case against Rodvelt. Her legal expertise and dedication to justice were integral to securing the guilty verdict against the defendant.
Jeffrey S. Sweet
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet, also a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, contributed to the prosecution of Gregory Lee Rodvelt. Alongside Judith R. Harper, Sweet presented evidence, examined witnesses, and made compelling arguments to ensure a fair trial and the successful conviction of Rodvelt.
Conclusion
With the guilty verdict in the case against Gregory Lee Rodvelt, the legal proceedings have shed light on the severity and dangerous nature of the boobytrapping incident. The injuries sustained by a federal officer and the extensive property damage highlight the potential harm caused by such actions. As the sentencing remains pending, it is crucial to consider the implications of this case, particularly regarding the punishment that Rodvelt may face and the broader message it sends about the importance of respecting the safety of federal officers. The collaboration between multiple investigating agencies, such as the FBI, the Oregon State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, underscores the commitment to justice and ensuring accountability for those who commit violent crimes against law enforcement officers.