Valley Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Possessing and Transporting Improvised Explosive Devices

PHOENIX—Jeffrey Harbin, 29, of Apache Junction, Ariz., was sentenced on February 6, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake to 24 months’ incarceration. Harbin pleaded guilty on September 26, 2011, to one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of unlawful transportation of explosive materials.

In his plea agreement, Harbin admitted that on or about January 14, 2011, he knowingly possessed and transported an unregistered destructive device. Specifically, Harbin admitted to possessing and transporting a grenade-like object that he built using a polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) encasement, an improvised fusing system, and a filling of black powder and ball bearings. Harbin further admitted to transporting this highly explosive destructive device on the public roadways in and near Apache Junction, Ariz. The design of this destructive device was significant in that the inclusion and placement of the ball bearings within the device rendered it capable of maximizing both injury and fatality.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel said, “Jeffrey Harbin is responsible for the manufacture, possession, storage, and transportation of a deadly destructive device that was at times kept in his apartment where he lived with his girlfriend and children, and at times transported on Arizona roads and highways. Harbin’s design of the device is powerful evidence that he intended it to be capable of causing serious physical injury and death.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message to all individuals like Harbin, that there are severe consequences for possessing a highly explosive destructive device,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge James L. Turgal Jr., Phoenix Division. “The FBI’s number one priority is to protect the public from another terrorist attack. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), is a force multiplier in bringing together law enforcement officers with varied experiences and expertise from multiple jurisdictions and is uniquely designed to thwart this type of activity and individuals from utilizing such devices to harm the public.”

The investigation in this case was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and members of the Phoenix Joint Terrorism Task Force. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also assisted. The prosecution was handled by Josh Patrick Parecki, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR 11-00163-PHX-NVW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2012-026(Harbin)