James Morgan, a 31-year-old resident of Jefferson, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for possessing destructive devices. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson following Morgan's guilty plea on April 16, 2024.
The case began when the FBI received information that Morgan had manufactured and possessed destructive devices. Acting on this intelligence, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Morgan’s travel trailer in Janesville, Wisconsin, on December 21, 2023. During the search, six improvised explosive devices were discovered inside a locked safe. These homemade devices had nails glued to their exterior and were confirmed as "destructive devices" under federal law after testing by the FBI lab.
Morgan admitted during an interview with agents that he created these devices with his father and referred to them as “grenades,” acknowledging their illegality.
U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea stated, “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.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle highlighted the potential danger posed by such homemade explosives: “Mr. Morgan’s reckless behavior could have caused destruction and death or serious bodily injuries.”
At sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern over Morgan's actions, noting his history of posting racist and anti-government sentiments online. The judge emphasized the inherent danger of explosive devices and suggested that adding nails indicated intentions beyond mere fascination with explosives.
Morgan is also facing charges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin for possessing chemical weapons based on substances found in his storage locker in Whitewater, Wisconsin. If convicted of this charge, he could face life imprisonment; however, he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation leading to these charges involved collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Janesville Police Department, and Whitewater Police Department. The prosecution team includes 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 from the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
