FBI Raids Urbandale Man’s Apartment on Dirty Bomb Tip

November 1, 2007

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Only a small amount of radioactive material was found however it’s still surprising that the suspect was “booked and released”.

The FBI is investigating an Urbandale man after witnesses reported hearing him talk about making a dirty bomb.

Two witnesses told law enforcement that Justin Sheridan has done things and said things that they consider a threat to the public. That was enough for law enforcement to open an investigation that they classify as a terrorism threat case.

Federal, state and local agents swooped in to search Sheridan’s apartment and vehicle last week.

A written statement to law enforcement from an informant states that “(Sheridan) told me he’s found out how to make…a fertilizer bomb, and that he doesn’t expect to live long…so he said he’s going to go out with a bang…he’s an anarchist.”

The statement also said, “I notified the FBI because he’s started to collect smoke detectors for material in making a bomb… using the radioactive material in the detectors.”

A second informant told law enforcement, “Justin Sheridan wanted (me) to provide smoke detectors from the job sites…so that he could remove the ‘Alpha emitter to make a bomb.’”

A task force of agents searched Sheridan’s apartment and found “a cardboard box with smoke detector parts wrapped in tin foil. The parts are Americium - 241 Alpha Emitters.”

“This individual was attempting to collect very small, minute traces of radioactive material that’s in a smoke detector. But as I understand it, it’s such a minute amount of radiation that it really doesn’t pose a problem to anybody unless they actually ingest it,” said James Saunders with Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Agents also seized computer equipment, guns, gun magazines, ammunition, a “tactical” black vest and ski mask, and a vibrating lock pick.

Agents told KCCI that, while searching the apartment, they found evidence of an illegal psychedelic mushroom growing operation. They called in drug agents, who sought a second search warrant to focus on the drugs.

The informant who went to the FBI told law enforcement, “After Virginia Tech, Columbine and other incidents, I didn’t want any potential loss of life having not done anything to stop it.”

“He did pose a risk. And so we’re fortunate that the public stepped up and reported the suspicious activity, and law enforcement took immediate action,” Saunders said.

Saunders said the public was not at risk from the radioactive material because it was so small an amount. Agents are testing the weapons found, and they’re searching Sheridan’s computer before deciding whether to file any charges.

Sheridan was booked at the Polk County Jail and has since been released.

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