Shortly after 9:00 a.m. PDT on August 25, 2016, the FBI Seattle Division’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force (INJTTF) arrested Melvin Thomas Neifert, 41, of Selah, Washington. The FBI arrested Neifert on a federal grand jury indictment of Title 18 USC 844 (d) (j) receipt of an explosive in interstate commerce with intent to intimidate. Neifert is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Friday, August 26 in the Eastern District of Washington. 

On May 1, 2016, the INJTTF conducted a search of Neifert's residence in Selah. The FBI seized numerous items, which were presented to the grand jury.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The INJTTF’s investigation began February 2016. The FBI gratefully worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Washington and received valuable assistance from the Selah Police Department, the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yakima office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).