NORFOLK, Va. – In a shocking revelation of domestic terror, Brad Kenneth Spafford, 36, from Smithfield, Virginia, has pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle and an astonishing 155 homemade improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Spafford’s journey into the criminal underworld began with a tragic incident on July 31, 2021. After amputating part of his thumb and fingers in a botched fireworks accident, he falsely claimed the injuries were caused by fireworks at a family member’s property.
This lie, however, would unravel as an investigation revealed that Spafford had misfired a launcher containing homemade explosives on that property.
On December 17, 2024, Spafford was arrested for possession of the unregistered short barrel rifle. A subsequent search of his property and vehicles yielded the grim cache of IEDs, all with handwritten notes indicating their lethal potential.
Among the dangerous arsenal were propellant capabilities consistent with launchers and devices capable of causing significant property damage, injury, or death. Bomb-making equipment, riot gear, precursor chemicals, and homemade ammunition were also recovered.
Scheduled for sentencing on December 18, Spafford faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge, though actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Luke Bresnahan, with support from various law enforcement agencies.
RELATED: Smithfield Bomber Pleads Guilty to 150+ Homemade IEDs, Rifle
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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