Wesley Dallas Ayers, 27, Pleads Guilty to Using Weapons of Mass Destruction in Greenville, South Carolina
In a shocking turn of events, Wesley Dallas Ayers, a 27-year-old man from Anderson, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to using, attempting to use, and threatening to use weapons of mass destruction. The charges were brought against Ayers in federal court and are punishable by a mandatory sentence of at least 20 years in federal prison, up to a maximum of life imprisonment, in addition to a fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of court-ordered supervision.
According to court documents, Ayers constructed and placed three explosive devices in various parts of Anderson County between January 24, 2018, and February 24, 2018. One of the devices detonated and injured one individual at the intersection of Travis and Martin Roads in Anderson County on January 30, 2018. The other two devices were intercepted and rendered safe by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
During the same timeframe, Ayers placed three hoax devices that resembled explosives but did not contain any blasting agent. In some cases, Ayers left threatening messages stating that more and more powerful devices were to come.
An exhaustive month-long investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous law enforcement agencies from around the State of South Carolina led to Ayers’ arrest. DNA and other forensic evidence linked Ayers to the various devices, and a search of his property produced numerous items consistent with the manufacture of the same.
Ayers faces a mandatory sentence of at least 20 years in federal prison and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, in addition to a fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of court-ordered supervision. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with numerous other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney D. Josev Brewer of the Greenville office is prosecuting the case.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of homemade explosives and the importance of public awareness and cooperation in preventing such crimes. The investigation and prosecution of Ayers are a testament to the dedication and expertise of law enforcement agencies in protecting the public and upholding the rule of law.
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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