Wilmington Man Sentenced For Making Unregistered Destructive Devices

WILMINGTON – United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge James C. Fox sentenced ERIK RUDOLPH ARNEBOLD, 38, of Wilmington, to 64 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.  On August 4, 2014, ARNEBOLD pled guilty to one count of making 24 unregistered destructive devices (bombs) in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5861(f) and 5871.

ARNEBOLD was named in an Indictment filed on June 4, 2014.  On October 29, 2013, members of the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at ARNEBOLD’s residence in Wilmington based on information of possible bomb-making at the residence. 

On October 30, 2013, law enforcement officials conducted a search of ARNEBOLD’S residence, resulting in the seizure of 24 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bomb-making materials, two firearms including a Mak-90 assault rifle, ammunition, brass knuckles, and two ballistic vests.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives and the Wilmington Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Eric D. Goulian prosecuted the case.