William Huber, 39, of Troy, was charged earlier this month in a now unsealed two-count indictment alleging that he manufactured a destructive device using an explosive and attempted to destroy a vehicle with it, according to a July 23 announcement by federal authorities in Albany, New York.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the charges. The indictment alleges that Huber used smokeless powder to manufacture a destructive device and failed to register it as required under federal law. It further alleges that in March 2021, Huber attempted to use an explosive to damage and destroy a leased Ford F-150.
The first charge filed against Huber carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other term imposed. The second charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison. Both charges could result in fines up to $250,000 and supervised release for up to three years after imprisonment.
“As alleged in the indictment, this defendant conspired to construct a dangerous homemade explosive device intended to destroy property,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. “The coordinated efforts of the New York State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrate our continued commitment to pursuing justice and protecting our communities.”
“The allegations against Mr. Huber are extremely concerning and, if convicted, he faces a significant amount of time in federal prison,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge Albany FBI. “This investigation highlights the strength of our partnerships, specifically with the New York State Police. By working together to leverage our collective resources, we can ensure anyone who is allegedly manufacturing dangerous destructive devices is held accountable for their reckless behavior.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I commend the steadfast work of our State Police members and law enforcement partners in protecting the communities we serve. This indictment exemplifies the strength of partnerships in safeguarding the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
Huber was arraigned July 15 before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista in Albany and detained pending further hearings before Judge Evangelista as well as trial before United States District Court Judge Anthony J. Brindisi at dates yet undetermined.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on statutes violated if convicted along with consideration given by U.S Sentencing Guidelines among other factors; these charges are accusations only—Huber remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI and New York State Police are investigating; Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting this case on behalf of an office that prosecutes federal criminal cases across northern and central New York covering more than thirty thousand square miles with about 3.4 million residents through facilities located at its offices including those maintained at Albany as part of its mission within Department Of Justice components staffed by about fifty attorneys plus additional support personnel, according to information from its official website.