Earl Albert Moore Sentenced to Life in Prison for Use of a Destructive Device During a Crime of Violence

DENVER—Earl Albert Moore, age 66, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge John L. Kane to serve life in federal prison for use of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence. Specifically, Moore left a destructive device at the Southwest Plaza Mall on April 20, 2011. Moore, who appeared at the hearing in custody, was remanded.

‪Moore was originally charged by criminal complaint on April 24, 2011. He was then indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on May 5, 2011. Moore pled guilty on December 30, 2011. He was sentenced today, April 5, 2012.

‪According to court records, on April 20, 2011, a subject entered Southwest Plaza Mall using an employee-only entrance. He then allegedly placed a destructive device inside an employee corridor at the mall. He then lit the device. Moore then exited the facility. As he was departing, a fire ignited, but the device did not detonate. A security officer used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office immediately initiated an investigation. That investigation resulted in identifying Moore as the person responsible for the assembling and leaving the destructive device. A manhunt ensued. An alert Boulder resident recognized Moore at a local coffee house inside a grocery store. She called the Boulder Police Department, who quickly responded and arrested Moore.

“Moore’s criminal actions last year placing a destructive device in a public place put an entire community on edge, and until his apprehension, raised the specter of further acts of violence,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “Today’s sentence recognizes the grave nature of that crime and its consequences and sends a clear message to all those who seek to do the public harm that they will be caught and they will be punished severely.”

“This sentencing reflects the seriousness of an attempt to use an explosive device against any facet of our community,” said James Yacone, FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge. “This case is a reflection of the outstanding collaborative effort between the FBI, ATF, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the USMS to promptly respond, investigate, and bring to justice the individual responsible for this particular action.”

“Today’s sentencing should send a very clear message,” said Marvin Richardson, ATF Special Agent in Charge, Denver Field Division. “If you are going to commit violent criminal acts and cause harm within this community, the ATF will dedicate all of its resources to make sure you are held accountable.”

“We are pleased with the outcome and congratulate our colleagues from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office on a successful prosecution and for taking a dangerous criminal off our streets,” said U.S. Marshal John Kammerzell.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with substantial assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided support.

Moore is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Holloway.