Kelly Von Morck, age 36, of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, was sentenced on July 17 to 46 months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives as an unlawful user of controlled substances. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Morck received concurrent sentences for three counts related to these offenses.
The charges followed an investigation by multiple agencies including the Hartshorne Police Department, Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad, U.S. Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On October 20, 2024, law enforcement responded to an explosion at Morck’s residence in Hartshorne. Officers found property damage from a large explosion and discovered Morck with third-degree burns. He was transported to a Tulsa hospital where he tested positive for amphetamines, cocaine, cannabinoids, and fentanyl.
Investigators located a homemade explosives lab inside the residence along with outbuildings containing bulk quantities of explosive precursors and improvised devices. They also recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), steroids, and psychedelic mushrooms at the scene. In June 2025, authorities returned with search warrants and found Morck again in possession of narcotics as well as additional suspected explosives.
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson said, “The defendant posed a significant and uniquely dangerous threat to himself and his community. I applaud law enforcement especially ATF for their actions to prevent other potential injuries and hold the defendant accountable for his crimes.”
ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner said, “Homemade explosives present an inherent and significant threat to public safety. The serious injuries sustained by Mr. Morck underscore the extreme dangers associated with manufacturing and handling these devices… Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these offenses and reinforces our commitment to protecting the community.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a Department of Justice initiative that coordinates federal responses with state, local, and tribal partners against violent crime through rapid prosecution, strategic partnerships, and accountability measures, according to the official website. The Honorable John F. Heil III presided over sentencing; Morck will remain in custody pending transfer to a federal prison.