Today, Tim Rixt Brens, a 31-year-old resident of Norman, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possessing an illegal Molotov cocktail. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The case began when a federal Grand Jury charged Brens on October 1, 2024, with possession of an unregistered destructive device. This charge stemmed from an incident on May 16, 2024, when the Norman Fire Department (NFD) responded to a grass fire in the city. Upon arrival, they found that the fire had partially damaged a building belonging to a towing and recovery business. Evidence at the scene suggested that a Molotov cocktail had started the fire.
Surveillance footage reviewed by NFD showed an individual arriving in a black sports car, throwing a Molotov cocktail at the building, and then fleeing. The investigation traced the vehicle back to Brens. It was discovered that Brens had another vehicle towed by the same business and was upset about the fees required to retrieve it after it had been sold by the company.
Brens pleaded guilty on November 26, 2024, admitting to possessing the illegal device.
During today's sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Brens to serve his term followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Russell highlighted that "the circumstances of the crime were dangerous and could have resulted in far more extensive damage than was ultimately caused." He also stressed "the need to promote deterrence" and "respect for the rule of law."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted this investigation alongside NFD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Daniel Gridley prosecuted this case.
Further details can be found in public filings.