A man from Hadley, Massachusetts has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on charges of illegal possession of ammunition and explosives. Jacob D. Miller, aged 43, faces accusations following a criminal complaint of being a felon in possession of these materials. He remains in custody as the court considers pretrial detention.
The indictment follows a search on April 8, 2025, at Miller’s residence, where agents discovered approximately 50 rounds of ammunition in a bedside table and six firearms in a safe. Explosive materials, hazardous chemicals, and radioactive substances, including plutonium, were also found. "United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hadley Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police."
Evidence presented at a hearing indicated that Miller has had a longstanding interest in explosives and radioactive materials dating back to 2002. That year, authorities found bomb-making materials and military equipment at his prior residence. Miller was previously convicted in state court for possessing those devices.
Court records from 2014 show the Massachusetts Radiation Control Program issued a cease-and-desist letter to Miller for selling depleted uranium online. Despite this, in 2017, he allegedly started an online business, “Collect the Periodic Table,” marketing radioactive materials. Between June and October 2023, Miller allegedly sold plutonium through online transactions. More records of these sales were reportedly found during the 2025 search.
In 2023, Miller allegedly instructed an associate to buy hazardous black powder, using it to ignite explosives during events at his home. Authorities found remnants of this material during the search.
Court documents reveal a 2004 conviction for possession of child pornography and explosive devices in Hampshire Superior Court, leading to prohibitions against possessing ammunition, firearms, and explosives under federal law.
The charges carry potential penalties of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. "Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case."
Authorities warn that the substances found at Miller’s residence "posed a serious risk" and initiated a safety evaluation for their removal. "The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."