DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office

For Immediate Release

Monday, October 17, 2016

Man Believed to have Placed Improvised Explosive Device in Nederland Shopping Complex Arrested

Defendant was caught in Chicago after fleeing Colorado

DENVER – David Michael Ansberry, age 64, originally from California, was arrested over the weekend in Chicago, Illinois, in connection with the placing of an improvised explosive device in a shopping area in Nederland, Colorado, the FBI, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the Nederland Police Department, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office and ATF announced.  Ansberry made his initial appearance in Chicago yesterday and will be brought to Colorado to face the charge.

 

Ansberry, who was identified as the person allegedly placing the device following an intensive investigation by law enforcement, has been charged with attempted destruction of a building or property by means of fire or explosive.  If convicted, Ansberry faces not less than 5 years, and not more than 20 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. 

 

The investigation is ongoing, but authorities believe based upon the information discovered to date that this was an isolated incident.  If members of the public believe they have information regarding this incident they are asked to call the FBI at 303-629-7171.

 

“Thanks to the tireless work of this team of law enforcement professionals, a man who is charged with placing a dangerous device in a public place is in custody,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer.  “The FBI, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, the Nederland Police Department, and the ATF pulled together, dismantled this explosive device, and tracked down the man who allegedly made and placed it.  Outstanding work all around.”

 

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, the Nederland Police Department, and ATF.  Substantial assistance was provided by the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office.  Ansberry is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Holloway and Trial Attorney Mara Kohn with the Counter Terrorism Section of the National Security Division.

 

A Criminal Complaint is a probable cause charging document.  Anyone accused of committing a violation of federal law has a Constitutional right to be indicted by a federal grand jury.  The charges contained in the Complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

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Denver Field Division