MADISON, WIS.
James Morgan, 31, Jefferson, Wisconsin, was sentenced Tuesday to two years in federal prison for possessing destructive devices, officials stated.
He pled guilty to the charge on April 16, 2024.
The FBI received information indicating that Morgan made and possessed destructive devices.
Acting on that information, on December 21, 2023, local and federal law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Morgan’s travel trailer in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Morgan was living in the trailer at the time. Inside a locked safe in the trailer, agents found six improvised explosive devices. The devices were homemade and had several nails glued to the outside.
The devices were rendered safe and sent to the FBI lab for formal testing. Experts from the FBI lab determined that the devices contained explosive powder and were in fact “destructive devices” under federal law.
During an interview with agents, Morgan admitted he made the devices with his father and referred to them as “grenades.” He said he knew they were illegal.
“Homemade explosive devices pose a risk to the safety of Wisconsin residents,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the Milwaukee Division. “Mr. Morgan’s reckless behavior could have caused destruction and death or serious bodily injuries. The FBI continues to work with our local law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable and ensure public safety throughout the state.”
At sentencing, officials stated that Judge James Peterson voiced concern over Morgan’s decision to create and possess explosive devices, especially given his history of posting racist and anti-government views on social media.
The judge emphasized the inherent danger of explosives and noted that adding nails to the devices suggested intentions beyond mere curiosity.
Judge Peterson expressed hope that the federal prosecution would halt Morgan’s criminal behavior and provide him an opportunity to change his life.
Morgan also faces charges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin for possessing chemical weapons, based on materials found in his storage locker in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the same day the explosives were discovered. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Until proven guilty, Morgan is presumed innocent of these charges.