A Sharon, Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal explosives violations. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Paul Lyn Graves, 47, received his sentence from United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Graves, who is a convicted felon, admitted to possessing explosive materials illegally. According to information presented in court, Graves began working at a military equipment manufacturer in January 2022 despite his prior felony conviction. In April of that year, he was assigned to assemble detonators for M213 grenade detonating fuses containing Royal Demolition eXplosives, which are classified as explosive materials under federal law.
On April 14, 2022, the Pennsylvania State Police executed a search warrant at Graves’ home and found three M213 grenade detonating fuses in an incomplete assembly state matching the work he had been performing.
Judge Bissoon cited the dangerous nature of the offense and Graves’ previous conviction when delivering the sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted the case. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Rivetti recognized the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police for their investigation leading to this prosecution.
