Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Today, Tim Rixt Brens, a 31-year-old resident of Norman, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possessing an illegal Molotov cocktail. This announcement came from U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The charges against Brens were brought by a federal Grand Jury on October 1, 2024. He was accused of possession of an unregistered destructive device following an incident on May 16, 2024. The Norman Fire Department (NFD) responded to a grass fire that partially burned a building belonging to a towing and recovery business. Upon extinguishing the fire, evidence suggested it was started by a Molotov cocktail.
Surveillance footage reviewed by NFD showed an individual arriving in a black sports car, throwing the Molotov cocktail at the building, and then fleeing. Further investigation linked the vehicle to Brens. It was discovered that Brens had another vehicle towed by the business and was upset about the fees required to retrieve it; subsequently, the vehicle had been sold by the towing company.
Brens pleaded guilty on November 26, 2024, admitting to possessing the illegal device.
During today's sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell imposed an 18-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Russell remarked on the dangerous nature of the crime and its potential for causing extensive damage. He stressed the importance of deterring similar actions and upholding respect for law enforcement.
The case resulted from investigations conducted by both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Norman Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Daniel Gridley prosecuted.
For further details, reference is made to public filings.
