BIRMINGHAM -- A Hayden man pleaded guilty today in Federal
Court to charges of Distribution of Grenade Fuses to an Unlicensed Person,
announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives Special Agent in Charge David Hyche.
U.S. District Judge Madeline M. Haikala took the guilty plea
from Matthew Joseph Smith, 56, on charges stemming from an October 22, 2014,
incident where approximately 1,340 M228 grenade fuses were distributed by Smith
to another individual who did not have a license to possess the fuses. The sentencing in the case is set for
September 15, 2015.
“This conviction sends a message to those who deal in
explosive materials without proper authority in the Northern District of
Alabama. Individuals who hold a license to possess explosive materials owe a
duty to act within the boundaries of the law at all times. When those boundaries are exceeded, we will
actively pursue prosecution to ensure the safety of the public,” said U.S.
Attorney Joyce White Vance.
“ATF remains committed to utilizing its dual
criminal/regulatory role to identify, disrupt and prosecute those who
criminally use explosives that put our communities at risk,” said Steven L.
Gerido, ATF Special Agent in Charge.
ATF investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Brad Felton is prosecuting the case.
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