BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury today indicted a Madison man for possessing a pipe bomb, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Acting Special Agent in Charge Frank Haera.

A three-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Joshua Andrew Quillin, 29, with possessing the destructive device, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law. Quillin possessed a pipe bomb on April 23, 2020, in Madison County, according to the indictment.

“The defendant’s brazen act could have resulted in a devastating outcome,” Town said.  “We will continue to prosecute violent criminals to the fullest extent of the law in an effort to keep our communities safe.”  

“ATF’s focus on removing alleged illegal destructive devices from individuals’ aid is reducing the potential for violent crime,” Haera said. 

The maximum penalty for possessing a destructive device is 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a destructive device is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

ATF investigated the case, along with Huntsville Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Stuart Burrell is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.