Smithfield man sentenced to eight years in prison for possessing over 150 improvised explosive devices and an unregistered short barrel rifle

NORFOLK, Va. - A Smithfield man was sentenced today to eight years in prison for possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle and possession of an unregistered destructive device.

According to court documents, on July 31, 2021, Brad Kenneth Spafford, 36, was admitted to an emergency room with a completely amputated right thumb, partially amputated right middle and index fingers, hearing loss, and scalp lacerations. Spafford falsely told the hospital his injuries were caused by fireworks. An investigation later revealed that Spafford's injuries resulted from his misfire of a launcher at a family member's rural property where Spafford routinely detonated explosives he made.

On Dec. 17, 2024, law enforcement arrested Spafford for possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle. Immediately following Spafford's arrest, law enforcement searched his Smithfield property and vehicles. Agents recovered an unregistered short barrel rifle and ammunition compatible with the rifle. Agents also found approximately 155 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that appeared to be homemade pipe bombs. Some of the IEDs had handwritten identification on them, including "lethal" and "concussion."

"Brad Spafford's manufacture and stockpiling of explosive devices posed a serious danger to himself and to others," said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "This sentence, along with Mr. Spafford's own injuries, should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering the manufacture of homemade explosives."

"The sentencing of Brad Spafford reflects the serious consequences of illegally possessing dangerous weapons and explosive devices that threaten public safety. This case underscores the FBI's commitment to identifying and stopping individuals who endanger our communities," said Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. "The outcome of this case reflects the strength of our justice system and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to mitigate such threats. I thank the men and women of the FBI Norfolk Field Office for their exhaustive and disciplined work during the all-hands-on-deck search, and our local, state, and federal partners for their assistance and professionalism while supporting FBI Norfolk's Joint Terrorism Task Force."

Among the IEDs analyzed were some with propellant capabilities consistent with use in a launcher and IEDs capable of causing property damage, personal injury, or death. Investigators also recovered bomb-making equipment, along with riot gear, Tannerite, two empty grenade canisters, an improvised mine, precursor chemicals for explosive materials, and numerous rounds of homemade ammunition.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Luke Bresnahan prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-3.