TOLEDO, Ohio (WLIO) — A Hancock County man was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison after authorities found homemade explosives, firearm silencers and more than 30 firearms in a storage unit and residence.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Robert J. Niederbrack, 70, of Findlay was sentenced Monday to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of felon in possession of firearms, possession of unregistered firearm silencers and felon in possession of explosives.
U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick also ordered Niederbrack to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and forfeiture of 16 rifles, 11 pistols and six shotguns.
According to court documents, federal agents were investigating reports that explosives were being manufactured in a home when they identified Niederbrack as a suspect. During the execution of a search warrant at his storage unit in Ottawa, agents seized 33 firearms, firearm silencers and ammunition.
Investigators also discovered sealed tubes containing explosive powder fitted with fuses for detonation, along with about 25 pounds of explosive powders that included aluminum and sulfur. Authorities said they also recovered measuring instruments, funnels, cardboard tubes, end cap seals and fuse cords, as well as materials related to warfare devices and techniques.
During a second court-ordered search at Niederbrack’s residence, agents seized additional firearms, firearm silencers and parts, ammunition and a taser.
Federal prosecutors said Niederbrack had previous convictions from 2009, including possession of firearm or ammunition by a felon, cultivation of cannabis and possession of a place for trafficking, sale or manufacture of controlled substances.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dexter L. Philips for the Northern District of Ohio.
Media Release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Ohio
TOLEDO, Ohio – A Hancock County man has been sentenced to prison for possessing homemade explosives and for being a felon in possession of over 30 firearms.
Robert J. Niederbrack, 70, of Findlay, Ohio, was sentenced to 57 months (4.75 years) in prison after pleading guilty to the following charges:
- Felon in Possession of Firearms
- Possession of Unregistered Firearm Silencers
- Felon in Possession of Explosives
Niederbrack’s prior convictions were in 2009 and included: Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by a Felon; Possession of Place for Trafficking/Sale/Manufacture of Controlled Substances; Cultivation of Cannabis; and Possession of Cannabis over 20 grams.
U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick imposed the sentence May 5. Judge Helmick ordered Niederbrack to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment as well as the forfeiture of 16 rifles, 11 pistols, and 6 shotguns.
According to court documents, federal agents were following up on a report about explosives being manufactured out of a home. Niederbrack was subsequently identified. During a search warrant execution of his storage unit in Ottawa, Ohio, agents seized 33 firearms, firearm silencers, and ammunition. They also found sealed tubes containing explosive powder and fitted with fuses to enable detonation. Additionally, about 25 pounds of explosive powders, including aluminum and sulfur, were in a unit. Instruments for measuring explosive powers, funnels, cardboard tubes, end cap seals, and fuse cords were also found. Agents recovered several materials about warfare devices and techniques. During a second court ordered search where he was residing, additional firearms, firearm silencers and parts, ammunition, and a taser were seized.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Philips for the Northern District of Ohio.
