Alleged Bomb Maker Arrested in Murder-for-Hire Plot

SNIPPET: "TAMPA, FL—On Friday, April 23, 2010, the Tampa FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which consists of numerous representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested JOHN NICHOLAS COORS, age 20, without incident. COORS was arrested in Tampa, Florida, after meeting with an undercover law enforcement asset (UCA) and attempting to detonate an improvised explosive device (IED)."

SNIPPET: "According to the federal complaint, the JTTF initially learned about COORS during November 2009. The JTTF received information that COORS was trained in “special forces” type military tactics, considered himself a mercenary, was proficient in building explosive devices, and had made pipe bombs in the past. He was allegedly in possession of precursor chemicals that could be used to make explosives as well as bomb making books, including the “Anarchist Cookbook”, which where stored in Bradenton, Florida. Resultantly, OPERATION ROCKY BULLET was launched.

During the investigation, contacts between COORS and the UCA involved plans to kill someone by blowing them up in their vehicle. COORS and the UCA discussed building an IED, COORS furnished instructions on how to build such a device, and how to plant the device in a vehicle to carry out the assassination.

COORS agreed to construct and provide an improvised explosive device capable of killing a person sitting in a car. COORS told the UCA that he would build the bomb in such a way that it could be remotely detonated and that he would install the device himself to ensure it was done properly. COORS agreed to build and detonate the bomb for $8000.00.

COORS constructed the bomb triggering device himself and used inert explosives which were provided by the UCA to ensure the public’s safety.

The related charge in this arrest involved the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. This investigation is ongoing.

Criminal prosecution of this matter will be addressed by the United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida.

The charges in the federal complaint are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."

August 2, 2010

NOTE The following text is a quote:

http://tampa.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/ta080210.htm

Bradenton Bomb Maker Pleads Guilty to Murder-for-Hire Charge

TAMPA, FL—United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton announces that John Nicholas Coors (age 21, of Bradenton, Florida) today pleaded guilty to one count of Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder For Hire. Coors faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

According to the plea agreement, the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) received a tip from a citizen that John Nicholas Coors was involved in making explosive devices. Through an undercover investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was able to determine that Coors was claiming that he had chemicals he could use to make explosive devices involving nitroglycerin. An undercover agent approached Coors and, during the recorded meetings, Coors agreed to build an explosive device, install it inside of a vehicle, and detonate it for $8,000.

On April 23, 2010, the undercover officer picked up the Coors and the two went to a hotel where Coors said he would build the explosive device in one of the rooms. From an adjoining room, agents monitored with audio and video recording equipment and watched as Coors began to assemble the device. During the process, Coors demonstrated and instructed the undercover officer in great detail on how the device was supposed to work, how to build it, and how to improve it. Coors also showed the undercover officer the locksmith tools he would use to break into the purported victim’s vehicle. The undercover officer and Coors then drove to Tampa and stopped near the purported victim’s vehicle. Coors actually broke into the vehicle (which was a “dummy” planted by the FBI) and installed the device, and then returned to the undercover vehicle, where he waited for the “victim.” At approximately 11:30 p.m., the “victim” (another undercover agent) entered the vehicle and Coors pressed the button on the electronic triggering device intending to blow up the vehicle and the victim. The FBI, however, had carefully substituted an inert material for real explosives in Coors bomb, so it would not work. Coors continually pressed the button for the triggering device in an attempt to make it explode. He was taken into custody and charged.

United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton stated, “The quick reporting of suspicious activities by citizens in this case, together with the diligent reaction by the JTTF in following those leads, took out of action a dangerous individual that was willing to cause a real tragedy in our community. This is yet another example of how violent acts can be prevented by having our citizenry work closely with law enforcement officers. In order to prevent violence from taking place in our Country, we must all remain vigilant at all times.”

Steven Ibison, Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa FBI Division stated, “As demonstrated in this case, the multi-agency partnerships which make up our local Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to play a critical role in the day-to-day protection of our communities and our national security.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eduardo E. Toro-Font.

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