KALKASKA, MI – Terrence Wayne Vanochten, 56, of Kalkaska, has confessed to federal authorities that he illegally possessed three fully functional pipe bombs. The plea, entered today in Kalamazoo, brings a potential ten-year prison sentence for the Kalkaska County resident.
The case unfolded last August when Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of gunfire emanating from Vanochten’s property. What began as a noise complaint quickly escalated when deputies discovered what appeared to be a fully automatic rifle. A subsequent search of the residence unearthed a disturbing cache: three pipe bombs neatly stored in an ammunition can.
According to court documents, the bombs weren’t just inert metal tubes. They were meticulously constructed from sections of metal pipe capped with screwed-on metal ends. Each device had a drilled hole for a fuse, and Vanochten even kept a supply of fuse cord alongside the explosives. Lab tests confirmed the devices were designed to detonate, capable of inflicting lethal injuries through shrapnel.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten emphasized the seriousness of the crime. “Vanochten possessed these pipe bombs in clear violation of federal law,” Totten stated. “This plea agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protect the public from people who unlawfully possess destructive devices.” Beyond the pipe bombs, authorities also seized a projectile launcher attached to an AR-15 type rifle, which also qualified as an unregistered destructive device and will be forfeited.
Vanochten pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered destructive device, a violation of 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d). The conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years behind bars. As part of the plea deal, Vanochten will forfeit all seized weapons. More permanently, he will be prohibited from legally owning firearms or ammunition in the future.
U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney has scheduled Vanochten’s sentencing for October 4, 2023, in Kalamazoo. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler. The Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation, providing the initial response and securing the scene.
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