ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA - Robert C. Ard, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to charges involving two homemade explosive devices found in his home, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ard, age 54, pled guilty to one count of “Making an Unlawful Firearm." Ard admitted to making a firearm, that is a destructive device.
On June 18, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Ard’s residence because agents had reason to believe there were explosive devices and materials used to make an IED. Upon searching the apartment, agents found two destructive devices and additional components used to construct said devices.
Ard faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of $10,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
