Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing Unregistered Devices And Attempting To Maliciously Use Explosive Device (DOJ)

Fort Myers, Florida - United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jesse William Korff (31, North Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of unregistered silencers, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and attempted malicious use of an explosive. Korff faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearms by a convicted felon, up to 10 years' imprisonment for the possession of unregistered silencers and destructive device, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for attempted malicious use of an explosive. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on May 19, 2025, Korff was at a residence when the Fort Myers Police Department was dispatched to a 911 hang-up call. Officers arrived and reported a hostage situation. The officers observed a male, later identified as Korff, in a scuffle with a female. They detained Korff. The officers seized a firearm and silencer that had come loose during the scuffle and also located a destructive device coming out of Korff's pocket.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) Bomb Squad used a robot to remove the pipe bomb and take Korff into custody. Further evidence and testing of the device by LCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that the device had attempted to be detonated. Another silencer, firearm, and ammunition were located inside Korff's vehicle. Officers and agents also found other bomb making materials within Korff's residence.

Korff is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. He was previously convicted of transfer and possession of a toxin for use as a weapon, smuggling toxins from the United States, and conspiracy to kill, maim, or injure a person in a foreign country.

This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.