Dale G. Stewart, Jr., a 57-year-old resident of Webster, pleaded guilty on April 10 to three counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, specifically a destructive device, according to United States Attorney Erin Creegan.
The case concerns public safety following the detonation of two pipe bombs in Weare, New Hampshire. Authorities say Stewart set off the devices on Dustin Tavern Road and Sugar Hill Road during the evening of April 26 and the morning of April 27, 2023.
According to statements made in court and details from the plea agreement, law enforcement officers responded to these explosions and later found Stewart’s vehicle on South Stark Highway in Weare. Inside his car they discovered an undetonated pipe bomb made from white PVC pipe with glued end caps, wrapped in black electrical tape, and fitted with a green hobby fuse. The device contained more than four ounces of explosive material similar to what was used in the previously detonated bombs. During police questioning, Stewart said he built these devices at his home in Webster.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in federal prison as well as a fine up to $10,000. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott has scheduled sentencing for July 30.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Weare Police Department; and the Federal Protective Service. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Hampshire State Police also assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar Vega and Anna Krasinski are prosecuting.
