Crime on the Rise: Putnam County Man Charged with Possession of Destructive Devices
A disturbing trend of individuals possessing destructive devices has come to the forefront in Putnam County, Tennessee, with the recent charging of Levi Austin Flatt, 31, of Baxter, for his involvement in this heinous crime.
According to the federal complaint, Flatt was charged with three counts related to possession of a destructive device and one count related to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The charges stem from a video posted on Flatt’s Facebook account, which depicted him holding a pipe bomb, a galvanized pipe with an endcap affixed to the end, and a wine bottle full of diesel.
In the video, Flatt stated: "Hey ATF, let me know if this is legal, a pound of Tannerite, a pipe bomb, and a wine bottle full of diesel…oh is that legal ATF… just let me know about this…somebody let me know." This alarming statement raises concerns about the intentions behind Flatt’s actions.
Later that same day, officers with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office pulled over Flatt while he was driving less than a mile from the Putnam County Fair. During the stop, they discovered a fully loaded 9 mm pistol with an obliterated serial number; seven extended magazines containing 145 rounds of 9 mm ammunition; three additional suspected bombs, one of which contained metal shrapnel inside; several additional metal pipes with one end of each pipe welded closed; two Molotov cocktails; and, a receipt for a propane tank.
The case is being investigated by the ATF, FBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol – Special Operations Unit, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Risinger is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information: Levi Austin Flatt, 31, of Baxter, Tennessee.
Criminal Charges: Possession of a destructive device (three counts), possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Location: Putnam County, Tennessee.
Date: August 7, 2023.
Outcome: Currently pending.
Related Federal Cases
- Jason Anthony Knight, Gun Possession, Tennessee 2017 · Tennessee
- Chris Rayvon Starks, Firearms and Ammunition Possession, Tennessee … · Tennessee
- Donya Davis, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Tennessee 2022 · Washington
- Donya Davis, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Tennessee 2020 · Washington
- Donya Davis, Gun Possession, Tennessee 2024 · Tennessee
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons