GAINESVILLE, GA – Celia Savage has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of making and possessing explosive devices, and for possessing firearms while being an unlawful drug user, announced United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates of the Northern District of Georgia.  Savage is scheduled for an arraignment on July 6, 2012.   She was previously arrested on May 30, 2012, and was detained without bond.

“This defendant allegedly created a potentially deadly ‘lab’ in her house where federal agents found explosive devices made from heavy metal pipe, explosive powder, and fuses,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.  “Making bombs is serious, and the combination of explosives and drugs creates a situation that law enforcement cannot ignore.”

“Over the years ATF has responded to every possible type of scenario involving explosives, including terrorist bombings, serial bombers, and those whose stock in trade is to build homemade improvised explosive devices that once constructed, can cause great damage,” said Scott Sweetow, ATF Special Agent in Charge. “Explosives are not to be played with or taken lightly, and if these dangerous items had gotten into the wrong hands or been used in other criminal activities, the consequences could have been dramatic; but thankfully, they did not and Ms. Savage must now answer for her actions.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court, Savage came to the attention of federal agents after a concerned citizen reported seeing what appeared to be explosive devices in Savage’s home.  During their investigation, agents found that Savage had posted disturbing quotes on a social networking site, where she noted that one of her favorite quotes included, “There is no problem that cannot be solved by the use of high explosives.”  She also posted about herself that she was not “one for selective targeting but mass destruction,” and that her favorite books included “The Anarchist Cookbook.”  When federal, state, and local agents executed a search warrant at Savage’s home on May 30, 2012, they discovered several explosive devices, firearms, small amounts of suspected controlled substances, material to manufacture more explosive devices, and literature on anarchy. 

The indictment charges Savage with 3 counts of making and possessing explosive devices and of possessing firearms while unlawfully using controlled substances.  The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.  In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Assistant United States Attorney Francey Hakes is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Information Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.

 

 

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