Publix Bomber: Hallandale Man Charged with Extortion

HALLANDALE, FL – Brian Henderson, 49, of Hallandale, is facing a mountain of federal charges after allegedly attempting to shake down Publix Super Markets, Inc. with a campaign of terror that escalated to a real explosion. Federal prosecutors unsealed an eleven-count indictment today detailing a brazen extortion scheme involving threats to damage Publix stores using explosive devices.

According to the indictment, returned February 25, 2014, Henderson bombarded Publix with threatening emails demanding money. When those demands weren’t met, he upped the ante. Investigators say Henderson didn’t just talk the talk – he walked the walk, detonating a pipe bomb at the Publix store in Dania Beach. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and triggered a massive investigation involving the FBI’s Miami, Tampa, and New Jersey Field Offices, alongside the Broward Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer and A. Lee Bentley, III, detailed the charges, which include attempted interference with commerce by extortion (Count 1), attempting to destroy property by explosives (Count 10), and a slew of related counts involving threats and interstate communication. Henderson’s initial appearance is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle in the Southern District of Florida.

If convicted on all counts, Henderson could spend the rest of his life behind bars. The potential penalties are staggering: up to 20 years for the attempted extortion, plus five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine; up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine for each of four counts related to explosive threats; up to two years and a $250,000 fine for four counts of extortionate communication; and a mandatory minimum of 30 years, plus five years of supervised release and another $250,000 fine, for using a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

The feds aren’t stopping with Publix. A separate criminal complaint was also unsealed today in New Jersey, alleging Henderson made product tampering threats against another consumer products company. This suggests a pattern of behavior, painting Henderson as a seasoned and dangerous criminal. The investigation was a joint effort led by Special Agents George L. Piro (FBI Miami), Paul Wysopal (FBI Tampa), Aaron T. Ford (FBI New Jersey), and Sheriff Scott Israel of the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Walleisa is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Henderson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But the evidence presented thus far suggests a calculated and chilling attempt to profit from fear and violence. More information can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls and http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov.