NEWS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY

DISTRICT OF KANSAS

Eric Melgren

August 7, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RECOVERED EXPLOSIVES LEAD TO FEDERAL CHARGES

          WICHITA, Ks - Jonathan Farley, 25, Oswego, Kan., was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of possession of stolen explosive materials. Already charged in the case are co-defendants Darrell E. Cook and Shane A. Knoffloch. The crime is alleged to have occurred in June 2008 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

          In a criminal complaint filed in July, Farley was identified as a guard working for a private security firm at Hallowell Manufacturing, an explosives manufacturer in Columbus, Kan. According to an agent’s affidavit, Farley allowed unauthorized persons, including Cook, onto the property, resulting in the theft of explosives materials.

          Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recovered explosives materials including a 3-foot-long, 25-pound explosives chub and detonating cord.

          “The ATF’s primary concern in this type of investigation is the quick recovery of the explosives so as to protect the public’s safety,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Mike Boxler.

          If convicted, Farley faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

          As in any criminal case, a person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments filed merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

###