Jacksonville, Florida – Shane Allen Gibson, a 45-year-old resident of Jacksonville, has entered a guilty plea to charges related to the possession and transfer of a destructive device. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Gibson could face up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing the device and up to 15 years for transferring it to a convicted felon. The sentencing date remains undecided.

The plea agreement details that on April 20, 2023, Gibson possessed and transferred an improvised explosive bomb to someone he knew had a felony conviction. This device was one of three homemade explosives provided by Gibson. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of explosive powder along with screws and fasteners inside an aerial shell with a pyrotechnic fuse. A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives examiner determined that lighting the fuse would lead to blast effects capable of causing damage or injury.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, while Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry is handling the prosecution.