Boise Man Sentenced to 24 Months Incarceration for Possession of an Unregistered Improvised Explosive Device

BOISE - Jonathan W. VanCuren, 69, of Boise, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (Improvised Explosive Device "IED"), U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

According to court records, on February 8, 2024, and again on February 10, 2024, law enforcement officers served search warrants on a residence occupied by VanCuren in Boise, Idaho. In both a wooden box and a metal box that belonged to VanCuren, law enforcement found a total of seven IEDs that each contained an explosive main charge, main charge container and initiation system. All seven IEDs were assembled and in operating condition.

Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered VanCuren serve 2 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. VanCuren pleaded guilty to the charge on September 18, 2025.

"We are thankful to our law enforcement partners who identified and investigated this threat to public safety," commented U.S. Attorney Davis. "Their efforts led to a successful prosecution and a safe removal of IEDs from our community."

"Manufacturing explosives inside a home is not only illegal, but it puts the individual, their family, neighbors, and first responders at extreme risk," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "With one careless mistake, Vancuren's blatant disregard for the law and public safety could have ended in catastrophe. The FBI and our state and local partners, who brought us into this investigation, will not tolerate those who threaten our community's safety."

U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of the Boise Police Department, including the Boise Police Bomb Squad, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins prosecuted the case.

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