Federal prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to revoke the release order for Brad Kenneth Spafford, a Virginia man accused of illegally possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle and stockpiling more than 150 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in his home. Prosecutors argue that Spafford poses an extreme danger to public safety, citing his possession of hazardous explosives and violent rhetoric.
The motion, submitted by U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber and Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Rebecca Gantt, describes the alarming findings during a December 2024 FBI raid of Spafford’s Isle of Wight property.
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The raid uncovered a cache of IEDs, including pipe bombs labeled “lethal,” tools and materials for manufacturing explosives, and a jar of highly unstable explosive material, HMTD, stored in a freezer alongside food items. Agents also recovered riot gear, a vest preloaded with pipe bombs, and a notebook detailing recipes for explosives and grenades.
According to the motion, Spafford expressed support for political violence, used pictures of political figures for target practice, and sought sniper rifle qualifications. A confidential informant reported that Spafford had disfigured his hand while handling explosives in 2021 and had been stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition since then.
In conversations with the informant, Spafford reportedly discussed fortifying his property with a turret and blocking access to his driveway. Prosecutors highlighted these actions as evidence of his intent to prepare for potential violence.
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The FBI described the cache as potentially the largest seizure of completed IEDs in its history. The devices, primarily found in a detached garage, were deemed too unstable to transport and were detonated on-site. Some of the devices were reportedly designed to enhance fragmentation, increasing their destructive potential.
Prosecutors contend that no conditions of release, including electronic monitoring or a third-party custodian, could mitigate the risk posed by Spafford’s release. They noted his capacity to manufacture weapons using common materials and his apparent disregard for legal restrictions, as evidenced by statements dismissing firearm registration requirements.
“The defendant’s release poses a danger to the community that cannot be mitigated by any available conditions,” prosecutors wrote. “The release order unreasonably places the burden of ensuring public safety on both the defendant’s mother and pretrial officers.”
Spafford, who was arrested in December 2024, was initially ordered released with conditions, including electronic monitoring and supervision by his mother. The government’s motion to revoke this release order argues that his history, access to resources, and expressed intentions make him too dangerous to be granted bail.
The court has not yet ruled on the motion, and prosecutors plan to submit a supplemental brief after obtaining transcripts of the initial detention hearing.
“This individual’s stockpiling of dangerous explosives and rhetoric advocating violence are deeply concerning,” a federal law enforcement official said. “The safety of the community must remain our top priority.”
Spafford faces charges under the National Firearms Act, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each violation. Additional charges for the possession of destructive devices are expected as the investigation continues.
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