Feds: Vineland Man Charged for Making and Possessing Bombs

A man from Vineland is facing serious charges for allegedly making and possessing explosive devices.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig says 63-year-old Thomas Petronglo has been charged with unlawful possession of a destructive device, unlawful making of a destructive device, and unlawful storage of explosive materials.

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Authorities say on March 12th, Petronglo was found to be in possession of a "destructive device" -- a 5-inch diameter metal can that had a fuse sticking out of it. Inside the can was an explosive mixture of potassium perchlorate and aluminum.

According to Honig's office, Petronglo also possessed, "multiple intact improvised explosive devices and explosive materials," including:

One suspected improvised explosive device containing a plastic cylinder, suspected explosive mixture inside the plastic cylinder, with cardboard tubing and a fuse sticking out of the device.
One suspected improvised explosive device containing a plastic cylinder, M class device inside the plastic cylinder, with suspected explosive mixture wrapped in black electrical tape with a fuse sticking out of the device.
One suspected improvised explosive device, containing a black plastic cylinder wrapped in black electrical tape, inside the cylinder is a suspected explosive mixture, with a fuse sticking out of the device.
One suspected improvised explosive device, containing cardboard tubing with twine wrapped around the cardboard tubing and wrapped in black electrical tape, with a suspected explosive mixture inside the cardboard tubing and a fuse sticking out of the device.
Two M class devices – one 3-inch M class device and one 2-inch M class, both suspected devices in red cardboard tubes with a wooden plug at the end of the devices, inside the cardboard tubing is a suspected explosive mixture with a fuse sticking out of the device.
Numerous materials used to manufacture destructive devices, including precursor chemicals, hobby fuse, time fuse, the explosive making materials such as the cardboard tubing, and black plastic cylinders.

The counts of possession of a destructive device and making of an explosive device each carry up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of unlawful storage of explosives carries up to one more year in jail.

Petronglo was scheduled to make a court appearance on Thursday.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.