Archive · 19 Jul 2025
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Pipe Bomb Possession, Target Practice
A man in Virginia admitted to having a lot of homemade bombs and an unregistered rifle.
He was caught after a friend told the authorities.
They found about 150 bombs, which the FBI said was a lot.
The man had pictures of the president he used for target practice.
He also said some concerning things about political violence.
He's been in jail since his arrest.
He now faces a long time in prison.
Virginia man pleads guilty to owning unregistered weapons and explosives.
Federal agents discovered approximately 150 pipe bombs and homemade devices at his home.
The investigation began after a tip about the man gathering weapons and ammunition.
The man reportedly used a photo of President Biden for target practice and made concerning statements.
He faces up to ten years in prison on each count, with sentencing set for December.
- Who
- Brad Spafford.
- What
- Man pleaded guilty to possessing unregistered weapons and explosives, including pipe bombs.
- When
- Sentencing is set for December; the investigation began in 2023.
- Where
- Isle of Wight County, Virginia and federal court in Norfolk.
- Why
- The man was gathering weapons, and made concerning statements.
Defendant
Prosecution
Character Assessment
Defendant
Defense lawyer argued that Spafford had a steady job, no prior convictions, and supported his family.
Prosecution
Prosecutors emphasized Spafford's statements and actions related to political violence and weapons.
- Charges
- Owning unregistered short-barrel rifle and destructive device
- Potential Sentence
- Up to ten years in prison per count
- Items Seized
- Approximately 150 pipe bombs and homemade devices
- Investigation Trigger
- Tip from a friend in law enforcement
- Incident
- Lost three fingers in a 2021 incident with homemade explosives