A Virginia man accused of having 150 homemade bombs at home has been denied bond and ordered to remain in jail until trial, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday.
Why It Matters
Brad Spafford, a machinist and father of two, faces charges related to an unregistered short-barrel rifle with prosecutors signaling additional charges for the explosive devices discovered on his property.
Spafford is accused of amassing the largest collection of finished explosives ever recorded by the FBI.
What To Know
Federal Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen ruled that Spafford, 36, must stay in jail until trial, writing that he has "shown the capacity for extreme danger" due to his stockpile of homemade bombs and his alleged disdain for government regulations.
The ruling comes after investigators seized more than 150 pipe bombs and other homemade devices when they searched Spafford's Isle of Wight County home in December.
In the ruling, Allen noted Spafford's history with explosives includes personal injury—he lost three fingers in a 2021 incident involving homemade devices—something she said his defense attorneys have not disputed.
In addition, Allen said that Spafford openly flouted firearm registration laws and showed no indication he would comply with court-imposed restrictions if released.
Meanwhile, defense attorneys had argued that authorities haven't produced evidence that Spafford was planning violence. They also noted that Spafford, who is married and works a steady job as a machinist, has no criminal record.
Spafford's attorneys also questioned whether the explosive devices found on Spafford's property were usable because "professionally trained explosive technicians had to rig the devices to explode them."
What Was Found In Spafford's Home
An investigation into Spafford initially began in 2023 following a tip from a friend and law enforcement member who alleged Spafford used President Joe Biden's photo for target practice and expressed support for political assassinations.
Law enforcement officials found a range of devices in his detached garage and home, including bombs labeled "lethal" and loaded into wearable vests. Many were so unstable they were detonated on-site.
In addition, according to court filings, devices were also found in a backpack labeled "#nolivesmatter," and Spafford also stored a highly unstable explosive material in a garage freezer next to "Hot Pockets and frozen corn on the cob."
At a hearing last week, federal Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard determined that Spafford could be released into house arrest at his mother's home but agreed to keep him detained while the government files further arguments.
However, prosecutors argued that through Spafford's manufacture of pipe bombs marked "lethal," his possession of riot gear and a vest loaded with pipe bombs, his support for political assassinations and use of the pictures of the president for target practice, and his belief that "no lives matter "show that he "has certainly expressed interest" in engaging in violence.
What People Are Saying
U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen wrote in the ruling: "Mr. Spafford has specifically stated that he does not believe in Government regulation when it comes to firearms, and he intentionally flouted the requirements for registration of short-barrel rifles. The Court is not confident that Mr. Spafford would be any more respectful of the imposed conditions of release."
Spafford's defense lawyers wrote in a recent filing: "There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone and the contention that someone might be in danger because of their political views and comments is nonsensical."
What Happens Next
Spafford is currently being held on a federal firearms charge for allegedly owning an unregistered short-barrel rifle. However, prosecutors say he faces more potential charges for the explosives as he awaits trial.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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