James Morgan, a 31-year-old resident of Jefferson, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for possessing destructive devices. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson after Morgan pled guilty to the charge on April 16, 2024.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had received information that Morgan was involved in making and possessing destructive devices. Acting on this intelligence, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Morgan's travel trailer in Janesville, Wisconsin, on December 21, 2023. During the search, six improvised explosive devices were discovered inside a locked safe within the trailer. These homemade devices had nails glued to their exterior and were confirmed by FBI lab experts to contain explosive powder, classifying them as "destructive devices" under federal law.
Morgan admitted during an interview with agents that he had made the devices with his father and referred to them as "grenades," acknowledging their illegality.
U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea emphasized the seriousness of such cases: “We take these cases very seriously and will do everything necessary to ensure that individuals who make and possess destructive devices will be prosecuted in federal court.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle from the Milwaukee Division highlighted the potential danger posed by such actions: “Homemade explosive devices pose a risk to the safety of Wisconsin residents... Mr. Morgan’s reckless behavior could have caused destruction and death or serious bodily injuries."
At sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern over Morgan's actions, noting his history of posting racist and anti-government sentiments on social media. He remarked that adding nails to the explosive devices suggested intentions beyond mere fascination with explosives.
In addition to this case, Morgan is facing charges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin for possessing chemical weapons found in his storage locker in Whitewater on the same day as the discovery of the destructive devices. If convicted of this charge, he could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The investigations leading to these charges were conducted by the FBI along with local police departments from Janesville and Whitewater. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Duchemin and John Scully along with Trial Attorney Justin Sher from the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.