Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

A Detroit man was indicted on December 15, 2015, on charges of manufacturing and possessing destructive devices, which he strategically placed in his yard to protect his marijuana plants, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

Joining McQuade in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Joshua Ragland, 25, was indicted following a search that was conducted at his home in southwest Detroit. In September, law enforcement was called to investigate an explosion with injuries at the premises. The victim, a 29-year-old male, was walking across a vacant lot next to Ragland’s residence when he heard several explosions and felt pain in his foot. The victim was hospitalized, and released following treatment for his injuries. Upon searching the location, officers recovered five manufactured destructive devices, marijuana and marijuana plants and other materials, including a black gun powder substitute, which were used in the manufacture of the explosive bombs. Several firearms and ammunition were also recovered from the premises.

The four-count indictment charges Ragland with Manufacture of Destructive Devices, Possession of Destructive Devices; Possession of Destructive Devices by Prohibited Person and Possession of Explosive Materials by Prohibited Person.

An indictment is only a charge, and a defendant is presumed not guilty unless he is convicted at trial by a jury.

If convicted on the charges in the indictment, Ragland faces penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, as well as a 7-40 year term of imprisonment for manufacturing destructive devices causing physical injury to another.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Gillooly with the assistance of ATF, Detroit Field Division, the Detroit Police Department and Detroit Police Bomb Squad, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad and the Dearborn Police Bomb Squad.