Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ALBUQUERQUE – Ethan Guillen, 18, of Albuquerque, N.M., made his initial appearance today in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing a destructive device not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).  Guillen remains in custody pending a preliminary hearing and detention hearing, both of which are scheduled for tomorrow.

Guillen is charged in a criminal complaint with possessing a destructive device not registered to him in the NFRTR on May 31, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M.  According to the complaint, Guillen allegedly created a destructive device out of a pressure cooker filled with black energizable material, nuts and bolts, fuse and a plastic bag containing clear rubber material.  The complaint further alleges that Guillen then placed the homemade destructive device, which was plugged into an appliance timer, under the victim’s bed,

 If convicted of the charge in the criminal complaint, Guillen faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison.  Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Thomas is prosecuting the case.

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