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A man from Mason, Ohio was arrested after investigators uncovered an improvised explosive device and bomb-making materials at a local soccer complex. The arrest of 20-year-old James River Phillips was executed by the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Phillips faces charges including possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a destructive device. This significant investigation culminated in a federal court-ordered search conducted in Mason on Thursday morning.
Elena Iatarola, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Cincinnati division, emphasized the importance of the task force’s work, stating, “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested James River Phillips after he allegedly possessed a dangerous destructive device. Our team, in collaboration with local partners, acted decisively to prevent any threat to public safety.”
The case escalated following the discovery of an IED by a police officer in Lebanon, Ohio at approximately 12:30 a.m. on September 22, 2024. The officer observed two men, presumed to be in their early twenties, leaving the parking lot of the complex in a silver SUV that was occupying the space just prior.
Upon making a traffic stop, the officer instructed the men to vacate the parking lot, which was closed at that time, as indicated in the affidavit filed against Phillips.
After the men left, the officer continued to patrol the area and subsequently found an IED where the SUV had been parked. The affidavit revealed that the improvised explosive device featured wires connecting a pile of white powder to a control switch, which had a red light illuminated when discovered. The Lebanon police officer, realizing the gravity of the situation, contacted the Butler County Bomb Squad to take charge of the potential explosive.
Upon examination, bomb squad experts determined that the residue on the device contained nickel hydrazine nitrate, while the white powder was identified as erythritol tetranitrate. During preparations for safe handling, the IED detonator exploded, damaging a handheld chemical identification device.
In collaboration with the FBI, detectives utilized cell phone data to track Phillips’ activity in the parking lot. They pinpointed his phone’s location between 12:15 a.m. and 12:21 a.m. on the same morning of the IED discovery. Additionally, the phone sent text messages shortly after the police traffic stop, indicating possible involvement in the incident.
On December 2, 2024, a driver’s license photo was obtained, confirming Phillips’ identity with a description matching that of the driver observed by the officer. Further investigation led to the discovery of incriminating video footage stored in Phillips’ Apple iCloud account. This footage dated back to April 5, 2024, and depicted two unidentified men in a similar parking lot environment, engaged in questionable activities near explosive devices.
One clip features a countdown that leads up to an explosion, corroborating the nature of their endeavors. Another video captured a voice urging Phillips to hurry, affirming the high-pressure environment surrounding the situation.
Documentation from the investigation included additional images and videos showing explosive results from incidents occurring in July 2024, including destruction of a vehicle. One notable recording revealed Phillips activating a detonation device while another individual counted down from five. According to the affidavit, a significant explosion followed, prompting an onlooker to comment on the destructive force of the blast.
Moreover, police discovered that Phillips had acquired precursor chemicals and materials for crafting homemade explosives, which were delivered to his residences in Mason and Oxford. His iCloud account allegedly contained detailed notes and recipes for constructing explosive devices, alongside photos of him purportedly assembling these devices in a wooded shed.
Phillips is currently scheduled for a bond hearing Friday and remains in custody as the investigation continues. The efforts of local law enforcement and federal agencies have highlighted the seriousness of the situation and their commitment to ensuring public safety.
Implications for Community Safety and Security
The ramifications of this incident extend beyond the arrest of a single individual. Authorities stress the critical need for community vigilance and awareness regarding potential threats. Such investigative outcomes remind residents of the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies exemplifies a comprehensive approach to tackling threats of terrorism. Through swift action and thorough investigation efforts, law enforcement aims to prevent any harm that could arise from these dangerous devices.
As the community awaits further developments in this case, discussions surrounding security measures and preventative strategies will likely become a focal point. The incident encourages ongoing dialogues about public safety protocols and emergency response plans.
In closing, the arrest of James River Phillips serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can exist within seemingly ordinary settings. Community members should remain alert and engaged, supporting local law enforcement efforts to combat such threats to ensure collective safety.
