DOJ: Pennsylvania man charged after detonating bomb by former supervisor’s home

Date: Category:US Views:2 Comment:0


(WHTM) — A Pennsylvania man is accused of detonating a bomb by the home of his former supervisor in New Jersey, according to the Department of Justice.

Michael Patrick Takacs, Jr., 43, of Bucks County, faces charges of one count of transporting in interstate commerce an explosive with knowledge and intent that it would intimidate an individual and damage and destroy a building, vehicle, and real personal property; one count of unlawfully transporting explosive materials; and two counts of unlawful possession of an explosive device.

“Disgruntled individuals who seek retaliation in such dangerous ways – ways that could have seriously injured not only the victim, but others in the community, cannot be tolerated,” acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said. “We will continue to support and collaborate with our law enforcement partners, who acted swiftly, yet methodically, in this matter. Violent actors will be brought to justice.”

Prosecutors say Takacs placed the bomb by the victim’s vehicle, a silver Ford Explorer, parked in a driveway, and then detonated it when he drove by the victim’s house July 26, around 2:42 a.m.

The explosion caused a debris field that was about 100 feet in diameter, with nails and bolts being flung into the Ford and adjacent homes.

It was learned that the victim used to be Takacs’s supervisor. He was reportedly fired in May from his place of employment.

By watching surveillance video, prosecutors say investigators were able to watch Takacs arrive in the area in a Jeep, which was later found parked in the area of his home during the investigation. Prosecutors say investigators also learned Takacs bought detonators just weeks before the incident, which also matched the same ones found at the scene.

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There was a screenshot that Takacs took of an online map of the victim’s residence, as well as a conversation with another person about buying a license plate flipper. Prosecutors say he was not permitted or licensed to make or transport explosives.

Takacs was detained after he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Skahill in Camden federal court Thursday.

Takacs faces up to 20 years max in prison, along with a fine of up to $260,000, if he is convicted on all his charges.

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