Jerry Brandon Pearce, a resident of Indianola, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 25 months in prison for possessing an unregistered explosive device. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to Pearce's charge. On November 25, 2024, Pearce admitted guilt to having an explosive device not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Investigators reported that on September 4, 2023, law enforcement responded to reports of a blast at Pearce’s home. Upon arrival, they found Pearce and two bystanders injured from a grenade explosion. The subsequent investigation revealed that Pearce had modified the unregistered explosive before it accidentally detonated and possessed components for assembling more grenades.
"ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims stated: "This case underscores the serious danger posed by illegal and unregistered explosive devices." He commended law enforcement's swift response and thorough investigation which contained a potentially deadly situation before further harm occurred.
United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson remarked: "Pearce’s actions were egregious and could have been fatal," emphasizing that such conduct will not be tolerated as it jeopardized community safety.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN emphasizes trust-building within communities while supporting organizations focused on preventing violence.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the hearing in Muskogee. Pearce will remain under U.S. Marshals Service custody until he is transported to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility where he will serve his non-paroleable sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard J. Lorenz and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States in this case.
