EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A man was sentenced to 52 months in prison following his conviction for possessing a pipe bomb and ammunition near a church playground in Las Cruces, according to the United States Attorney’s Office from the District of New Mexico.
On May 31, 2023, Nathan Wallace, 41, was observed in the children’s playground of East Mesa Baptist Church in Las Cruces and was arrested after he was found in possession of a destructive device and ammunition, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
During questioning, Wallace admitted to possessing a metal pipe containing gunpowder, which was later confirmed to be an operational pipe bomb, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“The device was seized by law enforcement and analyzed by a bomb technician, who discovered a fuse inside. Additionally, a search of Wallace’s belongings revealed a 20-gauge Winchester AA High Strength shotgun shell, a motion sensor, two cell phones, and various modified batteries and wires, indicating potential explosive device components,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Wallace is prohibited by federal law from handling or possessing firearms or ammunition due to his previous felony convictions, which include several counts of forgery and possession of explosive devices.
During his plea agreement, Wallace admitted to possessing ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Upon his release from prison, Wallace will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office.
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