Arrest Made In Investigation Of Explosive Device Left In Vickery Creek Park

ATLANTA - Michael C. Sibley made his initial appearance on federal charges that he intentionally conveyed false information relating to the unlawful use of an explosive device, and attempting to damage federal property by use of an explosive device, in connection with a device found in Vickery Creek Park in Roswell, Georgia, in November, 2014.  Sibley was arrested by the FBI pursuant to a criminal complaint on March 21, 2015.   

“The defendant allegedly placed a bag containing what appeared to be pipe bombs in Vickery Creek Park.  This arrest should reassure the community that serious crimes like this will be investigated thoroughly and all leads followed to identify the perpetrator,” said Acting U. S. Attorney John Horn.

J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Reports of backpacks containing possible explosive devices are obviously taken seriously by the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).  The law enforcement response by Roswell Police, the FBI and its JTTF, as well as a significant response by area Explosives Ordnance Disposal units, was not only time consuming but costly to the taxpayers.”

According to Acting United States Attorney Horn, the charges, and other information presented in court: On November 4, 2014, a citizen reported the presence of a suspicious package in Vickery Creek Park, located in Roswell, Georgia.  That day, Roswell, Georgia, police officers found a backpack along a trail in the park that contained two partially assembled improvised explosive devices, also referred to as pipe bombs.  The backpack also contained a Falcons schedule, a MARTA schedule and other papers, books and clothing.

On March 20, 2015, FBI agents identified Sibley as the individual who placed the device in the park and arrested him on a criminal complaint.  The complaint charges Sibley with 1) intentionally conveying false information under circumstances where such information reasonably indicated that a violation of a federal statute prohibiting the unlawful use of an explosive device would take place, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 1038; and 2) attempting to damage federal property by use of an explosive device, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 844(f)(1).

Michael C. Sibley, 67, of Marietta, Georgia, appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker. 

Members of the public are reminded that the Criminal Complaint only contains charges.  The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Tracia M. King is prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao/gan/.