Florida Man Arrested For Possessing Destructive Devices After An Improvised Explosive Device Was Found At Veterans Affairs Hospital

Tampa, Florida – Mark Edward Allen (60, St. Petersburg) has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint for the possession of unregistered explosive devices. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Allen made his initial appearance in federal court on June 4, 2019, and has been detained.

According to the criminal complaint, on or about May 29, 2019, Allen placed an improvised explosive device at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Bay Pines, Florida. Law enforcement personnel from the FBI, the Tampa Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies responded to the VA Hospital, and a bomb squad determined that the device contained a 9-volt battery, electrical wires, an improvised initiator, an unknown powder, and a clothespin switch. Bomb technicians ultimately rendered the device safe.

Approximately two days later, an individual called law enforcement and reported that Allen had been making other devices in his home. The individual had one of the devices, which was similar to the device found at the VA Hospital and contained electrical wires, an unknown black powder, and light-bulb initiator. Bomb technicians rendered the device safe. Ultimately, the FBI determined that Allen was responsible for both devices.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police, the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel George.