Herrin Man Indicted for Possession of Pipe Bomb Components

A Herrin resident is charged with possession of explosive materials by a previously convicted felon and with possession of an unregistered destructive device, United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton announced today.

On April 20, 2011, Robert Allen Sloat, 51, was indicted by a federal grand jury. The grand jury returned an indictment charging Sloat with possession of a combination of parts intended for use to convert to a destructive device, a pipe bomb, and from which a destructive device could readily be assembled, namely: two galvanized threaded pipes wrapped in duct tape with end caps screwed onto one end, one can of gun powder, and a fuse.

An indictment is a charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

Sloat was originally charged on March 31, 2011, in a criminal complaint. He has been detained.

Both counts of the indictment carry maximum sentences of 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, and three years’ supervised release.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Zeigler Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Liam Coonan.