Jerry Brandon Pearce, a 56-year-old resident of Indianola, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 25 months in prison for possessing an unregistered explosive device. The sentence was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The case originated from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On November 25, 2024, Pearce pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive device that was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The incident occurred on September 4, 2023, when law enforcement responded to reports of a blast at Pearce’s residence. Upon arrival, agents found Pearce and two bystanders injured by a detonated grenade. Investigations revealed that Pearce had modified the unregistered explosive before accidentally setting it off and possessed components for assembling additional grenades.
“ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims stated: “This case underscores the serious danger posed by illegal and unregistered explosive devices.” He praised the swift response and thorough investigation by law enforcement partners that contained a potentially deadly situation before further harm could occur. Mims emphasized their commitment to prosecuting violations of federal firearms laws and supporting initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods to protect communities from violent crime.
United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson commented on Pearce’s actions: “Pearce’s actions were egregious and could have been fatal.” He criticized Pearce for prioritizing his interests over community safety and causing significant harm, stating such conduct will not be tolerated.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on fostering trust in communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the hearing at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Pearce will remain in custody with the U.S. Marshals Service until he is transported to a designated Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard J. Lorenz and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States in this case.
