Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

CINCINNATI — A New York man was sentenced in federal court here today to 46 months in prison for possessing an unregistered incendiary device. The defendant took a two-hour flight to light a woman’s car on fire.

Farhan Jami, 29, of East Meadow, New York, constructed an incendiary device, placed it on top of a vehicle’s hood and ignited the device. The fire destroyed the vehicle and damaged the side of the nearby Butler County house, which was occupied at the time of the fire.

According to court documents, in May 2023, Jami flew from New York to Ohio and brought thermite (an incendiary powder) and sparklers with him on the flight.

In the early morning hours of May 16, 2023, Jami traveled to a residence in Butler County and constructed an incendiary device using the thermite, sparklers and a ceramic pot. He placed the device on the hood of a car at the home and lit the sparklers. He left as the fire began.

Home security footage showed Jami wearing a hat, surgical mask and gloves while placing and lighting the device before walking away.

While responding to the scene, officers located Jami in a vehicle nearby. His shirt and pants had red residue on them consistent with thermite. Officers also discovered the lighter, hat, mask and gloves used during the crime, as well as a bag of thermite.

Jami was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2023 and pleaded guilty in October 2023.

Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy S. Mangan and Ryan A. Keefe are representing the United States in this case.

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