(Des Moines, IA) -- A Johnston man accused of setting off explosive devices in Ankeny has been sentenced to five years in prison. Forty-seven-year-old Chad Williams admitted detonating the devices last year.
According to court documents, Williams admitted detonating homemade explosive devices on a public street in Ankeny on May 12 and June 7, 2021. A third explosive device was found in the same location on the morning of June 9, 2021. The device, which did not detonate in spite of apparent attempts to do so, was found to contain a significant amount of metallic shrapnel.
The devices were traced to Williams. A search warrant of his Johnston residence on June 18, 2021 turned up controlled substances and items consistent with the manufacture of explosive devices, including the specific explosive devices located in Ankeny.
Agents also seized a loaded Ruger, Model P89, nine-millimeter pistol in Williams’ vehicle. Subsequent to execution of the search warrant, Williams admitted to manufacturing and placing the explosive devices on the Ankeny street. Williams also admitted to being a user of methamphetamine, which disqualified him from the right to possess a firearm. United States Attorn
Williams will serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.