FBI Sacramento
FBI Sacramento Press Office
(916) 746-8106
May 9, 2014

Madera County Man Arrested for Explosives Violations

SACRAMENTO, CA—The Fresno Resident Agency of the Sacramento FBI conducted a joint investigation, in partnership with local and federal law enforcement, of two incidents involving explosive devices found in the Central Valley. On Friday, March 28, 2014, an explosive device was found in Chowchilla and was rendered safe without incident. A second explosive device was found on Sunday, May 4, 2014, in Madera, and was also rendered safe without incident.

As a result of the investigation, Richard Wilson Key, 37, of Raymond, was identified as the individual allegedly responsible for manufacture and placement of the devices. Yesterday morning, Key was arrested and charged with violation of Title 18 USC Section 844 (i), attempt to damage or destroy property used in interstate commerce by means of a fire or an explosive; and violation of Title 26 USC Section 5861(d) and (f), make and possession of a destructive device not registered in the national firearms registration and transfer record.

The FBI thanks our investigative partners, including the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Madera County Sheriff’s Office; Chowchilla Police Department; and Fresno County Sheriff’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Team. As a result of this outstanding combined effort, we were able to identify, locate, and arrest this individual before anyone in our community was harmed.

The FBI reminds the public to be mindful of their surroundings and to call 911 immediately if anyone finds a suspicious device. The individuals who found the devices in Chowchilla and Madera immediately placed a call to law enforcement, ensuring that no serious harm came to anyone.