A federal jury in Pittsburgh has convicted Roam L. Beer, 51, of Rossiter, Pennsylvania, for unlawful possession of a destructive device. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Beer was found guilty after a day and a half trial before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Evidence presented during the trial showed that on January 5, 2024, Beer threw an ignited homemade explosive device containing steel shot at the side of his estranged wife's residence. She was inside the room adjacent to where the device struck but was not injured.
Judge Fischer set sentencing for November 18, 2025. Beer faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible fine of $250,000. The actual sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offense and Beer's prior criminal history under federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The court ordered that Beer remain in custody until sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted the case for the government. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the New Kensington Police Department.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. In May 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN by building trust in communities, supporting prevention efforts, focusing enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
