Ohio Bomber Keith Seppi Pleads Guilty in Oneida County Attack

Syracuse, NEW YORK – Keith Seppi, the 58-year-old Ohio man who terrorized Oneida County with a bomb disguised as a package, has finally admitted his guilt. Today, Seppi, from Conneaut, Ohio, pled guilty to using a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, as well as possessing such a device in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The charges came after Seppi’s sinister scheme resulted in severe injuries and near-fatal consequences for Alan Dobransky. On May 28, 2016, Seppi planted the bomb in Dobransky’s driveway, intending it to explode when moved. The next morning, Dobransky tried to pick up the package and was critically injured by the explosion.

United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Ashan M. Benedict of the ATF New York Field Division announced the plea deal, which includes a minimum sentence of 30 years imprisonment for Seppi. The sentencing is scheduled for July 5, 2017.

In his guilty plea, Seppi confessed to building the bomb at his Ohio home and transporting it to Floyd, Oneida County. He also admitted that the motive behind the attack was his sister-in-law’s alleged theft from Dobransky’s mother, whom she had been caring for in Ohio. Following this revelation, Seppi constructed the bomb and planted it as a means of intimidation.

Hartunian commented on the gravity of the crime, emphasizing the despicability of using a lethal bomb to silence a potential witness. Benedict echoed these sentiments, commending law enforcement efforts that led to Seppi’s swift capture. Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara thanked all involved in the investigation and expressed hope for Dobransky’s recovery.

Dobransky survived the attack but was hospitalized for several weeks. His miraculous survival and the diligent work of authorities have brought a measure of justice to this chilling case.