Topeka Man Pleads GuiltyTo Making Pipe Bomb

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man has pleaded guilty to making a pipe bomb, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Joseph E. Rogers, 36, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of making a destructive device. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 12, 2012, officers of the Topeka Police Department stopped him and co-defendant Kyle C. Roe, 29, Topeka, Kan. Roe was immediately taken into custody on an active felony warrant. Roe told police that he had a bomb in his pocket.

 When Rogers was interviewed, he told investigators that he had constructed explosive devices for the entertainment value. Rogers talked about using PVC pipe, wrapped in tape and filled with smokeless powder removed from ammunition.

Rogers is set for sentencing Jan. 27. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Co-defendant Kyle C. Rogers pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a destructive device. He is set for sentencing Nov. 26. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.