Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Stockpiling Homemade Explosives and Possessing 30+ Firearms

TOLEDO, Ohio - A Hancock County man has been sentenced to prison for possessing homemade explosives and for being a felon in possession of over 30 firearms.

Robert J. Niederbrack, 70, of Findlay, Ohio, was sentenced to 57 months (4.75 years) in prison after pleading guilty to the following charges:

• Felon in Possession of Firearms
• Possession of Unregistered Firearm Silencers
• Felon in Possession of Explosives

Niederbrack's prior convictions were in 2009 and included: Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by a Felon; Possession of Place for Trafficking/Sale/Manufacture of Controlled Substances; Cultivation of Cannabis; and Possession of Cannabis over 20 grams.

U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick imposed the sentence May 5. Judge Helmick ordered Niederbrack to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment as well as the forfeiture of 16 rifles, 11 pistols, and 6 shotguns.

According to court documents, federal agents were following up on a report about explosives being manufactured out of a home. Niederbrack was subsequently identified. During a search warrant execution of his storage unit in Ottawa, Ohio, agents seized 33 firearms, firearm silencers, and ammunition. They also found sealed tubes containing explosive powder and fitted with fuses to enable detonation. Additionally, about 25 pounds of explosive powders, including aluminum and sulfur, were in a unit. Instruments for measuring explosive powers, funnels, cardboard tubes, end cap seals, and fuse cords were also found. Agents recovered several materials about warfare devices and techniques. During a second court ordered search where he was residing, additional firearms, firearm silencers and parts, ammunition, and a taser were seized.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.

The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Philips for the Northern District of Ohio.