Two people were arrested and charged in connection to the theft of explosive material from a construction site near Bardstown Road, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
According to the release, James Culver, 44, and Lasierra Chesher, 39, both of Louisville, face charges of stealing explosive material and possession of explosive material by a prohibited person. Culver is facing additional charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Law enforcement officers arrested two people in connection to the theft of nearly 440 pounds of explosives from Louisville construction site, according to a news release.
Investigators allege Culver and Chesher stole nearly 440 pounds of explosives from the construction site on or around March 31 after Culver was able to break the locks to the site, and they later stored them at another person’s residence. After Louisville Metro Police officers received a tip about the case and later approached the pair, Culver reportedly ran from the scene, but both he and Chesher were taken into custody.
Culver reportedly admitted to the arresting officers about his involvement in the theft, according to the release.
Agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later executed a search warrant at Culver and Chesher’s home and found a .22 caliber rifle along with various caliber ammunition, along with a shockwave exploding target, multiple explosive labels and instructional materials.
All the explosives were recovered, officials said.
“This successful recovery of the stolen explosives and subsequent arrests underscores the strength of coordinated law enforcement and the professionalism of our officers,” LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said in the release. “I’m extremely proud of the dedication and expertise these units demonstrated. Our continued partnership with the ATF ― both the Louisville and Lexington offices ― remains vital to keeping our city and region safe.”
“This doesn’t happen without strong leadership, strong partnerships, and, most importantly, dedicated and well-trained agents, officers and prosecutors,” U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said in the release. “Job well done.”
If convicted, Culver faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison. Chesher faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
It was not immediately clear when the pair will appear in court.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2 arrested in Louisville in connection to stolen explosives
