Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

CINCINNATI — A New York man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to possessing an unregistered incendiary device.

Farhan Jami, 28, of East Meadow, New York, admitted to placing and lighting an explosive device on top of a car at a victim’s residence in Butler County.

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

In the early morning hours of May 16, 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 shows 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.

Possessing an unregistered destructive device is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

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