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Soldier arrested after hunters find 100 pounds of explosives in Tennessee field
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — An Army Special Forces soldier was arrested Monday after a pair of hunters found about 100 pounds of explosives outside his home near Fort Campbell.
Timothy Ryan Richards was charged with possessing two unregistered guns, and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent Eric Kehn said he expects Richards will face more charges related to the explosives.
A sworn statement said agents found about 100 pounds of explosives — including C-4, a plastic explosive commonly used by the military. The material was sealed in watertight containers and partially buried near his home outside of Clarksville, near the sprawling Army post on the Tennessee-Kentucky state line.
Joel Siskovic, a spokesman for the FBI in Tennessee, said agents from the Joint Terrorism Task Force were called to the scene, but determined there was no terrorism connection.
According to police, two hunters found the explosives early Sunday morning and alerted the sheriff’s department.
ATF agents contacted Richards and he told agents that he had placed the explosives there, according to the affidavit.
Agents also found a 5.56mm caliber rifle and a .45 caliber machine gun inside his home.
Maj. April Olsen, a spokeswoman for the Army Special Forces at Fort Campbell, confirmed that he was a member of the 5th Special Forces Group, but his age and rank weren’t immediately available.
He appeared in court handcuffed in green coveralls. U.S. Magistrate Clifton Knowles ordered the federal public defender’s office to represent him and that he be held until a hearing Thursday.
He didn’t make any statements, but acknowledged to the judge that he understand the charge. He faces a maximum 10 years in prison if convicted on the weapons charge.
Another Fort Campbell soldier was arrested in October and charged with selling four stolen hand grenades and a stolen anti-tank rocket to an undercover officer in Tennessee.
Prosecutors said the transaction with Pfc. Joshua Bartlett Etherton, a 101st Airborne Division soldier, was arranged after police in the small town of Paris received a tip, but they would not say who he believed was the buyer.
He remains held without bond.
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The *hunters* were trespassing. They did NOT have permission to be there.
I wonder if the hunters had permission to hunt on the land or if they were tresspassing?
How dare you make such a statement john davis? Our soldiers give their lives to keep us safe. I, for one, appreciate what they do enabling me to read garbage such as your post from the safety of my home while they put their lives on the line.
Gregarious Gullibility, your nick is apt.
Off topic, but has anyone else heard the rumor or know why Sarah Palin has unexpectedly canceled her Thanksgiving exploding whale fireworks display at the Opryland Hotel with special guest Doctor Senator Mister Bill "Medy-Kare" Frist this year?
That deep-fried turkey thing is soooo two-thousand two.
just a little extra practice is all he wanted, good job solider....
As a veteran I am always saddened to see an article like this. What this man did in no way represents the majority of us who served our country. Whether he was holding these weapons for some wingnut militia group or was going to use them to commit crimes, his actions are counter to everything that our soldiers stand for and I hope he'll be punished to the fullest extent possible. Also I urge everyone to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served our country not just on Veteran's Day (November 11th) but every day of the year.
Now you see why they call you John? Your an idiot, special, but an idiot! I hope somebody that knows you and sees this comment you made against our Military beats the respect you should show them into you! If you don't like our Country or our Military, then by all means, LEAVE!
Mr. Davis, as a military member, I'm offended by your comment. Just because a select few of people decided to do something stupid to ruin their careers doesn't make the rest of us "special". I take pride in my job and what I do. Its the special ones that for decades put their lives on the line so you can enjoy everything you do today.
So basically it's ok with you to insult the careers of thousands of brave dedicated soldiers who are willing to take a bullet to protect you and your family because of the actions of these two. That's special and weird too.
Now you see why they call them Special Forces. They are special, weird, but special.