Vigo County—Indiana State Police detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division at the Putnamville Post have arrested two area men for the manufacture and possession of a destructive device.

Bobby J. Freeman, age 47, of Brazil, IN. was taken into custody at his Kruzan Street residence on May 24, 2012 and initially held in the Clay County Jail for probation violation. Later that same day, his charges were upgraded to Possession of a Destructive Device, Class C felony. He was held on $30,000 bond, 10% acceptable.

Matthew Hay, age 19, of Terre Haute, IN. was arrested at his residence without incident on June 5, 2012 and taken to the Vigo County Jail. Hay was charged with one count of Possession of a Destructive Device, class C felony. The warrant was from Vigo County Court Division 3 with his bond set at $30,000 with 10% acceptable.

The investigation began on May 23, 2012 when ISP detectives began receiving information from a confidential source that Bobby J. Freeman was allegedly planning on obtaining a “bomb”. Further investigation by detectives led them to Freeman’s residence on May 24 where they located the suspected device. The device was oval shaped, constructed of metal and plastic materials, approximately 8” long and 5” wide, with an internal explosive powder charge and metal fragmentation affixed to the exterior.

ISP Sergeants Chad Hilton and Rich Myers, along with ISP Capitol Police Officer John Riggers, were called to the scene as Hazardous Device Technicians for the Indiana State Police Explosive Ordnance Team. The trio utilized X-ray to determine the device’s contents and then rendered the device safe at the scene.

The case was investigated by ISP Detectives Sam Stearley and James Dungan. Assisting was the Clay County Probation Office.

 Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.