Source: Office of United States Attorneys
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that James Morgan, 31, Jefferson, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 2 years in federal prison for possessing destructive devices. 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.
“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,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea.
“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, Judge Peterson expressed concern over Morgan’s decision to make and possess destructive devices, especially considering Morgan’s history of posting racist and anti-government sentiments on social media. Judge Peterson noted that explosive devices are inherently dangerous and that Morgan’s decision to add nails to the outside of the devices suggested a purpose beyond a simple fascination with explosives. Judge Peterson expressed hope that the federal prosecution would interrupt Morgan’s criminal conduct and give him an opportunity to redirect his life.
Morgan is still facing charges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin for possessing chemical weapons based on chemicals found in his storage locker in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the same day as the destructive devices were found in the Western District of Wisconsin. If convicted of this charge, Morgan faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Unless and until Morgan is convicted of this charge, he is presumed innocent.
The charges in the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Janesville Police Department, and the Whitewater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin for the Western District of Wisconsin, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the cases.