Cole Carini, Possessing Unregistered Explosives Device, Virginia 2020

Cole Carini, a 24-year-old man from Richlands, Virginia, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of possessing and manufacturing an unregistered explosives device.

Carini’s sentence comes after he appeared at a hospital in June 2020 with severe injuries to his hands and fingers. He initially claimed the injuries were the result of a lawn mower accident at his home, but a search of his residence revealed evidence of an explosion and the presence of bomb-making materials.

Agents found drawings of improvised explosive devices, significant quantities of Triacetone Triperoxide, and exploded and unexploded components of pipe-bomb devices, fusing, and a partially constructed pressure-cooker explosive device similar to that used in the Boston Marathon bombing.

According to Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar, Carini’s actions put the safety of the community at risk and committed a serious federal crime.

“When he stockpiled bomb-making materials and actually designed and manufactured an improvised explosive device designed to cause significant harm, the defendant put the safety of the community at risk and committed a serious federal crime,” Bubar said.

Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador praised the work of federal and state partners in bringing Carini to justice, saying that the residential area was made safe again and Carini was held accountable for his illegal activity.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, the Richlands Police Department, and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary T. Lee and Whit D. Pierce are prosecuting the case for the United States.

Related Federal Cases