Arrest Made in Mabelvale for Illegal Possession of Explosive Material

LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced that Michael, S. Parker, age 52, of Mabelvale, Arkansas, was arraigned today before United States Magistrate J. Thomas Ray on a federal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and explosive material. Parker was detained following his initial appearance. His indictment will be presented at the next session of the grand jury.

The affidavit supporting the complaint states that probable cause existed to conduct a search warrant at an address in Mabelvale, Arkansas. The search warrant was executed by 30 law enforcement officers on September 19, 2012, from multiple state and local law enforcement agencies, including a bomb squad from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) and bomb detection K-9s from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The search resulted in the seizure of a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver, one stick of military grade dynamite, and 14 one-pound high-explosive slurries. A slurry is a commercially available all-purpose, weather-resistant emulsion explosive. The complaint alleges that Parker had previous felony methamphetamine-related convictions. As a felon, it is illegal for Parker to possess firearms or explosives.

“It is a relief to this office, those involved in the search, and now the neighbors of the Mabelvale community that these extremely explosive devices were recovered,” stated Thyer. “Just one pound of slurry could destroy a vehicle and everyone in it. The potential damage from the explosion of 14 of these would have been devastating.”

A complaint contains only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This investigation was conducted by agents from ATF. The search warrant was executed by ATF, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Arkansas State Police, and officers from the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Givens and Stephanie Mazzanti are prosecuting the case for the United States.

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Baton Rouge Man in Connection to LSU Bomb Threat

BATON ROUGE—United States Attorney Donald J. Cazayoux, Jr., announced that the federal grand jury returned an indictment against William Bouvay, Jr., age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in connection with the bomb threat that on Monday caused the evacuation of LSU’s campus. Bouvay was charged with one count of willfully conveying false information concerning the attempt to destroy property by means of explosives in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 844(e). If convicted, Bouvay faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Cazayoux stated, “This investigation is an example of the strong, collaborative efforts of university, local, state, and federal law enforcement. These investigative agencies moved expeditiously and decisively to identify and prosecute the individual responsible for the recent bomb threat against LSU. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of all agencies involved in quickly resolving this investigation. We will continue to work closely with District Attorney Hillar Moore to achieve the best result possible in this case which wreaked havoc and disrupted the lives of the people of LSU and the entire city of Baton Rouge.”

According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson, “This investigation should send a clear message to the public and to those who make such terroristic threats to elicit fear, that the FBI and its law enforcement partners will quickly and fully deploy all available resources to bring such individuals to justice.”

District Attorney Hillar Moore stated, “I again commend the strong efforts of our university, local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in quickly solving this crime. We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in our joint investigation and prosecution.”

“This investigation is an example of the success of law enforcement partnerships at the local, state, and federal level within Louisiana,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “The swift culmination of this arrest is indicative of the overwhelming response and resources available to public safety agencies when we work together. I applaud the LSU Administration and the LSU Police Department for their leadership in this investigation.”

“I believe this incident was a prime example of all levels of the law enforcement community working together toward a common goal,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “That goal was the safety of the students, staff, and visitors on the LSU campus. I was impressed with the way all agencies on the local, state, and federal level worked together not only for the safety of those on campus, but also in the apprehension of the person responsible. I am pleased that the Sheriff’s Office could assist, and we will certainly be there to help anytime we are needed.”

Chief Lawrence Rabalais, LSU Police Department, stated, “The cooperation of the various agencies in this incident is a clear message that this type of action will not be tolerated in our community. The investigation and subsequent arrest, within 48 hours of the incident, are a strong indication of that message.”

The investigation is being conducted by the LSU Police, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, FBI, ATF&E, U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and Baton Rouge City Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frederick A. Menner, Jr.

Florida Man Charged with Acid Bomb Attack of Connecticut Victim

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that FRANK MENDOZA, 51, of Jacksonville, Florida, has been arrested and charged with federal stalking, domestic violence, and explosives offenses. It is alleged that MENDOZA stalked and threatened a woman and others for more than a year and, in December 2010, traveled from Florida to Connecticut and placed two acid bottle bombs in the victim’s car.

MENDOZA has been detained since his arrest in Jacksonville on August 17, 2012. On August 22, 2012, a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging MENDOZA with four counts of interstate stalking, one count of interstate domestic violence, and two counts of using an explosive in the commission of a felony.

MENDOZA appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

“As alleged, this defendant planted acid-filled explosives intended to cause serious, disfiguring injuries to his victim,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Last week marked the 18th Anniversary of the federal Violence Against Women Act, which has given the Department of Justice tools to prosecute domestic violence and stalking crimes. I commend the FBI JTTF in Connecticut and Florida, the Stamford Police Department, and all of our partner investigative agencies, who have worked to investigate this matter to secure justice and provide safety for the victims of this crime.”

“Today’s arrest is a warning to those who commit violent crimes that the FBI’s reach is far and wide,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “The threatening and insidious nature of the crimes with which Mr. Mendoza is charged will not be tolerated and the FBI’s pursuit of justice will not be deterred. The day-to-day work of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces and their local, state, and federal partners often goes unheralded. This case is a great example of law enforcement working together to bring those charged with violent crimes to justice.”

The indictment alleges that, in 2008, MENDOZA began a romantic relationship with a woman (“Victim #1”) in Jacksonville, Florida. After approximately one year, MENDOZA’s abusive and threatening behavior caused Victim #1 to attempt to end the relationship. MENDOZA continued to threaten Victim #1, calling her repeatedly and leaving numerous threatening voice-mails. On one occasion in the spring of 2010, MENDOZA entered Victim #1’s apartment while she was sleeping and covered her in newspaper. Victim #1 awoke and found MENDOZA with a lighter threatening to set her on fire.

The indictment further alleges that, in approximately September 2010, as part of a ruse, Victim #1 and a friend (“Victim #2”) told MENDOZA that Victim #1 was temporarily moving to Rhode Island for a work-related training program. Victim #1 and Victim #2 then relocated from Florida to Stamford, Connecticut. In October 2010, MENDOZA learned that Victim #1 had moved to Connecticut and his threatening behavior continued. In October and November 2010, MENDOZA placed numerous harassing and threatening phone calls to Victim #1, Victim #2, and their male work colleague (“Victim #3”).

The indictment further alleges that, in early November 2010, MENDOZA traveled from Florida to Connecticut, visited Victim #1’s place of work and her and Victim #2’s apartment complex in Stamford, and then returned to Florida. Then, on December 8, 2010, MENDOZA flew from Florida to New York City, rented a car, drove with a family member to Victim #1’s Connecticut residence, and placed two acid bottle bombs in Victim #1’s car. At approximately 11:00 p.m. on December 8, 2010, Victim #1 approached her car and observed that the car’s interior had been dampened by a liquid. She also observed a two liter soda bottle on the driver’s side floor. When she picked the bottle up, it began to smoke and fizz. She then gently placed the bottle down and ran from the car. The bottle then exploded. Victim #1 immediately called the Stamford Police.

The investigation has revealed that the bottle that Victim #1 picked up and one that had exploded before Victim #1 reached the car had each contained acid.

If convicted, MENDOZA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge of interstate stalking and interstate domestic violence. The charge of using an explosive in the commission of a felony carries a mandatory 10-year consecutive prison term.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces in New Haven and Jacksonville, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police, the New Haven Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, the Stamford Bomb Squad, the Stamford Fire Department, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Krishna Patel and Vanessa Richards.

Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Bomb Plot

PITTSBURGH—A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distributing information relating to explosives with the intent that it be used for a crime of violence, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Michael Steven Cech, 41, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

“Michael Cech claimed to have built many bombs and, in this case, he made a functional device in exchange for $300 and a gun,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton. “We must and we will do everything possible to protect the public from this type of dangerous criminal conduct.”

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 18, 2012, a government confidential informant met with Cech. During the recorded conversation, the informant indicated to Cech that he was implicated in a federal drug case and that he had a need for a bomb in order to prevent a witness from testifying against him. Cech indicated that would be “no problem,” and that he was going to put nails in the bomb so that what the explosion did not “get,” the nails would. Cech indicated to the informant that he had built bombs “many times,” and that all the informant would have to do was to “light it and throw it.” Further, Cech promised that his bomb would work. When the informant asked Cech what he wanted in exchange for the bomb, Cech stated that he wanted a .45 caliber pistol and $300.

On May 25, 2012, Cech met the informant at a parking lot in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. When Cech arrived, he was in possession of components of a bomb he intended to assemble. The components included a pipe, two endcaps, serrated nails, and candle wicks. Cech then proceeded to instruct the informant how to assemble the bomb. During the recorded conversation, Cech told the informant how to handle gunpowder, how to physically put the bomb together, where to put the explosive gun powder, when to place the nails within the bomb, and how and where to drill the hole in the endcap to place the fuse into the bomb. Cech assured the informant that the bomb that he was demonstrating the assembly on would be functional, and that he had built 30 of them and all 30 had exploded as designed. Cech stated that he preferred that no kids were killed when the informant deployed the bomb because he liked kids, but Cech stated, “it is what it is.”

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cech.

ATF OFFERS $5,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THE BOMBING ATTACK OF A GLENDALE RESIDENCE

PHOENIX — Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Phoenix Field Division today announced that they are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the bombing of a Glendale Arizona residence. ATF and the Glendale Police Department are currently investigating this criminal bombing.

"ATF is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this criminal bombing," said Fred Milanowski, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of ATF. "We are confident the public can assist in identifying the suspect that was captured on the video.”

On Sept. 5, ATF was contacted by the Glendale Police Department (GPD) Bomb Squad regarding a bombing that occurred just before 0100 hours at a single family home in Glendale. This home was previously targeted with explosive devices on Father's Day 2011 and again on July 25, 2011. No injuries occurred in either of the previous bombings.

This incident was similar to the previous incidents. An improvised explosive device (IED) was placed in the driveway of the residence between the residents vehicles. An undetonated device was found embedded in the wall of the residence across the street and is believed to have been part of the device placed in the driveway. The post blast investigation was conducted by ATF and the Glendale Bomb Squad with the assistance of a FBI special agent bob technician. The team of investigators thoroughly documented the scene, recovered potential evidence from the scene for analysis by ATF's National Laboratory.

The following pictures depict a lone individual kneeling down in the driveway between the homeowner’s cars. The suspect then initiates the IED by means of a flame and is seen walking back to his four door white SUV parked across the street.

The suspect appears to be driving a four door late model white Chevrolet Suburban SUV.

The suspect is dressed in white/tan colored dress slacks, a dark colored dress belt and a long sleeve dress shirt.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call the Glendale Police Department 24-hour hotline at 623-930-3000

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating criminal bombings. For more information about ATF, go to www.atf.gov. Follow @ATFHQ on Twitter.