Bradenton Bomb Maker Pleads Guilty to Murder-for-Hire Charge

TAMPA, FL—United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announces that John Nicholas Coors (age 21, of Bradenton, Florida) today pleaded guilty to one count of Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder For Hire. Coors faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

According to the plea agreement, the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) received a tip from a citizen that John Nicholas Coors was involved in making explosive devices. Through an undercover investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was able to determine that Coors was claiming that he had chemicals he could use to make explosive devices involving nitroglycerin. An undercover agent approached Coors and, during the recorded meetings, Coors agreed to build an explosive device, install it inside of a vehicle, and detonate it for $8,000.

On April 23, 2010, the undercover officer picked up the Coors and the two went to a hotel where Coors said he would build the explosive device in one of the rooms. From an adjoining room, agents monitored with audio and video recording equipment and watched as Coors began to assemble the device. During the process, Coors demonstrated and instructed the undercover officer in great detail on how the device was supposed to work, how to build it, and how to improve it. Coors also showed the undercover officer the locksmith tools he would use to break into the purported victim's vehicle. The undercover officer and Coors then drove to Tampa and stopped near the purported victim’s vehicle. Coors actually broke into the vehicle (which was a "dummy" planted by the FBI) and installed the device, and then returned to the undercover vehicle, where he waited for the "victim." At approximately 11:30 p.m., the "victim" (another undercover agent) entered the vehicle and Coors pressed the button on the electronic triggering device intending to blow up the vehicle and the victim. The FBI, however, had carefully substituted an inert material for real explosives in Coors bomb, so it would not work. Coors continually pressed the button for the triggering device in an attempt to make it explode. He was taken into custody and charged.

United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton stated, "The quick reporting of suspicious activities by citizens in this case, together with the diligent reaction by the JTTF in following those leads, took out of action a dangerous individual that was willing to cause a real tragedy in our community. This is yet another example of how violent acts can be prevented by having our citizenry work closely with law enforcement officers. In order to prevent violence from taking place in our Country, we must all remain vigilant at all times."

Steven Ibison, Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa FBI Division stated, “As demonstrated in this case, the multi-agency partnerships which make up our local Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to play a critical role in the day-to-day protection of our communities and our national security.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the Tampa Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eduardo E. Toro-Font.