Jonathan W. VanCuren, a 69-year-old resident of Boise, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possessing an unregistered improvised explosive device (IED), according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis.
Court records show that law enforcement officers executed search warrants at VanCuren’s residence on February 8 and February 10, 2024. During these searches, officers found seven IEDs in wooden and metal boxes belonging to VanCuren. Each device contained an explosive main charge, a container for the charge, and an initiation system. All seven devices were assembled and operational.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ordered that VanCuren serve two years of supervised release after completing his prison term. VanCuren pleaded guilty to the charge on September 18, 2025.
“We are thankful to our law enforcement partners who identified and investigated this threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “Their efforts led to a successful prosecution and a safe removal of IEDs from our community.”
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI stated: “Manufacturing explosives inside a home is not only illegal, but it puts the individual, their family, neighbors, and first responders at extreme risk. With one careless mistake, Vancuren’s blatant disregard for the law and public safety could have ended in catastrophe. The FBI and our state and local partners, who brought us into this investigation, will not tolerate those who threaten our community’s safety.”
The case was investigated by the Boise Police Department—including its Bomb Squad—and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho oversees prosecutions like this one throughout Idaho under federal authority with about 60 staff members handling criminal and civil matters statewide.
