Norfolk, VA. — A Smithfield man was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle and an unregistered destructive device, federal prosecutors announced.
According to court records, Brad Kenneth Spafford, 36, suffered severe injuries on July 31, 2021, including a completely amputated right thumb, partially amputated fingers, hearing loss, and scalp lacerations. Investigators later determined the injuries were caused by the misfire of a launcher Spafford was using at a rural family property, where he routinely detonated homemade explosives. Spafford initially told hospital staff the injuries were the result of fireworks.
On Dec. 17, 2024, law enforcement arrested Spafford for possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle. A subsequent search of his Smithfield residence and vehicles uncovered the rifle and compatible ammunition, along with approximately 155 improvised explosive devices believed to be homemade pipe bombs. Some of the devices bore handwritten labels, including “lethal” and “concussion.”
Prosecutors said several of the IEDs were capable of propellant-based use in a launcher and others were capable of causing property damage, serious injury, or death. Investigators also recovered bomb-making equipment, riot gear, Tannerite, two empty grenade canisters, an improvised mine, precursor chemicals for explosives, and numerous rounds of homemade ammunition.
“Brad Spafford’s manufacture and stockpiling of explosive devices posed a serious danger to himself and to others,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This sentence, along with Mr. Spafford’s own injuries, should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering the manufacture of homemade explosives.”
Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Norfolk Field Office, said the case highlights the consequences of illegally possessing dangerous weapons and the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts to protect public safety.
The investigation involved assistance from the Suffolk Police Department, Norfolk Bomb Squad, Virginia State Police, Isle of Wight County Fire Rescue, and the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office, with continued support from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Norfolk.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Gantt and Luke Bresnahan.
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