Anchorage, Alaska – A Sitka man has been indicted on federal charges alleging he illegally constructed and possessed a pipe bomb.
Zachary Loewen, 28, of Sitka, was named in the indictment charging him with possession of an unregistered destructive device, unlawfully making a destructive device, and for being a felon in possession of an explosive.
According to the federal indictment, on or about Oct. 4, 2018, Loewen knowingly possessed and made an explosive device, specifically a pipe bomb, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records. The indictment further alleges that, on Oct. 14, 2018, Loewen knowingly received and possessed a combination of parts intended for the construction of pipe bombs.
According to state court documents, after failed attempts at purchasing a firearm due to his prior felony convictions, Loewen began purchasing materials to construct a pipe bomb. On Oct. 4, 2018, near Herring Cove Road in Sitka, Loewen allegedly attempted to ignite the bomb with a candlewick fuse, but abandoned the explosive device after a failed ignition.
Loewen has two prior felony convictions in the state of Washington and was therefore prohibited from possessing explosives. If convicted, Loewen faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison on each count, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.
