Two Charged by Federal Complaint for Stealing Explosive Material and Illegally Possessing Explosive Material and a Firearm (DOJ)

Louisville, KY - Two Louisville individuals were arrested yesterday and charged by complaint today with stealing explosive material, possession of explosive material by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

The complaint alleges that on or about March 31, 2025, James Culver, 44, and Lasierra Chesher, 39, stole explosive materials. Investigators determined the theft to be approximately 438 pounds of the following explosives: 12 sticks 2.5"x16" Orica Power Pro (DSC 14JA26J1); 89 sticks Orica Senatel Ultrex (DSC 18DE25V4); and 6 fifty-pound bags of Orica Amex-WR ANFO, which had moved in interstate commerce. Based on a tip, law enforcement was able to recover all the stolen explosives.

"The ATF and LMPD were notified on April 1 that a significant amount of explosives had been stolen from a construction site off Bardstown Road," said United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. "ATF agents and LMPD officers immediately joined forces to locate the explosive materials and identify a suspect, seeking the help of the Louisville community. In less than 24 hours, and because of exceptional investigative efforts, ATF and LMPD located and safely recovered all stolen explosive materials and arrested the alleged culprits."

According to the complaint, Culver and Chesher drove to a construction site in Louisville. Culver broke the locks enabling them to obtain the explosives. Upon gaining entry, Culver and Chesher began stealing the explosives. They stored the explosives at another person's residence and returned home. At their residence, they had a box full of blasting caps. When law enforcement approached Culver and Chesher, Culver fled. Both were apprehended. Subsequently, Culver admitted to his involvement in the theft of explosives.

ATF executed a search warrant at Culver and Chesher's residence. ATF recovered a .22 caliber rifle along with various caliber ammunition. They also recovered a shockwave exploding target and multiple explosive labels and instructional materials.

Along with the theft of explosive material charge, Culver is also charged with possession of explosive material and possession of a firearm by prohibited person. Culver is prohibited from possessing explosive material and a firearm because he has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, to include receiving stolen property $10,000 or more, burglary in the third degree, and theft by unlawful taking.

Along with the theft of explosive material charge, Chesher is further charged with possession of explosive material by a prohibited person. She was prohibited from possessing explosive materials because she had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including receiving stolen property under $10,000, trafficking in methamphetamine, and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

If convicted, Culver faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison. Chesher faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Bumgarner thanked the law enforcement partners and prosecutors for their extraordinary work. "This doesn't happen without strong leadership, strong partnerships, and, most importantly, dedicated and well-trained agents, officers and prosecutors. Job well done."

"The possession and use of explosives are strictly regulated due to the significant risks they pose," said ATF Special John Nokes. "This theft created a serious and unnecessary danger to the public. As a result, the ATF and LMPD made this investigation a top priority, working in close coordination to ensure the safe recovery of all explosive materials and the swift apprehension of those responsible."

"This successful recovery of the stolen explosives and subsequent arrests underscores the strength of coordinated law enforcement and the professionalism of our officers," said LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey. "LMPD's Bomb Squad, Homeland Security Unit, SWAT Team, Fugitive Unit, Drone Unit, and Sixth Division Patrol worked seamlessly alongside our ATF partners to help recover a significant amount of stolen explosives and protect our community. 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."

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is being investigated by the ATF and LMPD.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Lantz of the United States Attorney's Office Louisville Branch is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A complaint merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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