Jacksonville, Florida – Shane Allen Gibson, a 45-year-old resident of Jacksonville, has entered a guilty plea to charges of possession and transfer of a destructive device. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Gibson could face up to 10 years in federal prison for possession and up to 15 years for the transfer charge. The date for sentencing has not been determined.
The plea agreement details that on April 20, 2023, Gibson possessed and transferred an improvised explosive bomb to someone he knew was a convicted felon. This device was one of three homemade explosives given by Gibson to the individual. Laboratory analysis confirmed the device contained explosive powder along with screws and fasteners within an aerial shell and pyrotechnic fuse. A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives examiner concluded that igniting the fuse would result in blast, thermal, and fragmentation effects capable of causing significant harm or death.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry is prosecuting the case.