Molotov Cocktail Plot Lands Millsboro Man in Prison

MILLSBORO, DE – Job Gillette, a resident of Millsboro, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after being caught with a cache of homemade explosives. Gillette was sentenced to 87 months behind bars for possessing seventeen Molotov cocktails, along with an AK-47, ammunition, and a ballistic vest. The devices were discovered in a shed on the grounds of the group home where he resided, raising serious concerns about the safety of the residents.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Gillette hadn’t just assembled the firebombs – he actively worked to maximize their destructive potential. Investigators found evidence he’d added Styrofoam to the gasoline-filled bottles, a tactic designed to make the flames stick to surfaces and generate thick, choking smoke. He also packed the cocktails with screws and nails, turning them into shrapnel-laden weapons intended to inflict maximum harm.

The danger wasn’t just theoretical. Gillette had reportedly made direct threats to “blow up or burn down” the group home, terrifying those who lived and worked there. The feds moved swiftly after becoming aware of the situation, fearing a potential mass casualty event. The investigation unveiled a disturbing picture of a man prepared to act on his violent impulses.

While investigators delved into Gillette’s background, they uncovered a fixation with the “New World Order” conspiracy theory, a belief system positing a shadowy cabal controlling world events. Though this ideology doesn’t excuse his actions, it offers a glimpse into the warped thinking that fueled his dangerous behavior. It’s a chilling reminder that extremist beliefs can translate into real-world threats.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss praised the collaborative effort of federal, state, and local law enforcement in dismantling Gillette’s plot. “This sentence should serve as a stark warning,” Weiss stated. “Those who threaten violence and stockpile dangerous weapons will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” The investigation was led by the FBI’s Wilmington Resident Agency, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Delaware State Police and Fire Marshals.

The potential for devastation was immense. Seventeen Molotov cocktails, strategically placed, could have quickly engulfed the group home, trapping vulnerable residents inside. The addition of metal fragments would have turned the fire into a deadly assault. Thankfully, the feds intervened before Gillette could carry out his threats, preventing a tragedy.

This case underscores the ongoing vigilance required to protect communities from individuals harboring violent intentions. The FBI continues to prioritize the detection and assessment of potential threats, working closely with state and local partners to ensure public safety. The sentence handed down to Gillette sends a clear message: possessing and preparing explosive devices, coupled with threats of violence, will not be tolerated.

Court documents related to the case are available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website and through the District Court system. This conviction joins a string of recent federal cases in Delaware, including the indictment of four men for Hobbs Act violations and a life sentence handed down to Dion Oliver for shooting and manslaughter. Two Wilmington men are also facing charges in an interstate kidnapping conspiracy, highlighting the continued focus of federal prosecutors on tackling serious crime in the state.