Omaha Man Sentenced for the Unlawful Storage of Explosive Materials

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kalem L. Barber, 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for the unlawful storage of explosive materials. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson sentenced Barber to two years’ probation and 50 hours of community service. There is no parole in the federal system. Magistrate Judge Nelson also ordered Barber to pay a $500 fine.

On November 26, 2021, Douglas County Sherriff’s Deputies responded to an explosion of a porta potty located at a construction site in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Deputies reported that multiple juveniles were present and immediately fled the area after the explosion.  Information obtained during the course of the investigation resulted in a December 2, 2021, FBI search warrant of an Omaha residence where Barber had been living.  Within the residence the FBI found explosive materials to include approximately 20lbs of flash powder located in an unsecured box-styled container.  Barber was using the explosive materials to make homemade fireworks.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.