NORFOLK, Va. – A grim revelation from the Eastern District of Virginia as Brad Kenneth Spafford, 36, of Smithfield, faces up to 10 years in prison for each of his charges. Spafford, a confessed enthusiast of homemade explosives, has pleaded guilty to possessing over 150 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and an unregistered short barrel rifle.
According to court documents, Spafford’s bizarre tale of injury by fireworks turned into a chilling reality when it was discovered that his thumb and fingers were amputated during an experiment gone wrong with one of his IEDs. This admission followed a harrowing incident where he detonated explosives on a rural property, leading to his hospitalization.
Spafford’s arrest in December 2024 led to a shocking discovery: his Smithfield residence was a veritable arsenal. Law enforcement recovered an unregistered rifle with ammunition and around 155 homemade IEDs. Among these devices were pipe bombs marked with ‘lethal’ and ‘concussion,’ indicating their dangerous potential.
Further investigation revealed that Spafford’s collection included bomb-making equipment, riot gear, and precursor chemicals for explosive materials. The case is indicative of the growing threat posed by homemade weapons and explosives in contemporary society.
Scheduled for sentencing on December 18th, Spafford faces a severe penalty due to the gravity of his offenses. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting this case with the support of various local law enforcement agencies and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Norfolk.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted Spafford’s plea, marking a significant step in bringing justice to those affected by his dangerous activities. The Suffolk Police Department, Norfolk Bomb Squad, Virginia State Police, Isle of Wight County Fire Rescue, and Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office have been instrumental in the investigation.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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