Army Private Charged with Attempting to Board Flight While Possessing Small Amount of Explosive
| U.S. Attorney’s Office July 14, 2011 |
YUMA, AZ—United States Army Private First Class Christopher Eric Wey, 19, was arrested and charged today with attempt to carry an explosive on an aircraft and transportation of a stolen explosive.
On Wednesday, July 13, Wey attempted to board a United Airlines flight from Yuma, Arizona to Los Angeles. During a standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening at the Yuma International Airport, security officers detected the presence of explosives in Wey’s baggage. TSA personnel subsequently found one-half ounce of C4 explosive hidden in a tobacco can inside one of Wey’s bags. Wey was detained for investigation and interviewed by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Complaint alleges that Wey stole the C4 while attending a recent explosive training course. Authorities found no evidence to believe that Wey intended any harm with the small amount of explosives in his possession.
A conviction for attempt to carry an explosive on an aircraft and transportation of a stolen explosive carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. In determining an actual sentence, the sentencing judge will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by John Boyle, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-11-9699-M
RELEASE NUMBER: 2011-149(Wey)