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Two people have been arrested in Louisville, Kentucky, for allegedly stealing 438 pounds of explosive materials from a construction site where land is being cleared to build 110 townhouses on the city’s south side.
James Culver, 44, and Lasierra Chesher, 39, both of Louisville, have been charged with theft of an explosive device and possession of an explosive device by a prohibited person.
In an April 3 complaint, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Kentucky alleges that on or about March 31, Culver and Chesher stole 12 sticks of Orica Power Pro, 89 sticks of Orica Senatel Ultrex and six 50-pound bags of Orica Amex-WR ANFO from a locked explosives storage area in the storage area of explosives from Old Road to Old Road.
The complaint alleges that Culver and Chesher drove to the construction site on March 31, where Culver allegedly broke the locks. They stole the explosives, stashed them at someone else’s house and returned home, the prosecution says.
Workers reported the missing explosives to authorities on April 1. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives immediately offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the robbery, generating information that resulted in the arrests.
Both Culver and Chester allegedly fled when law enforcement approached their residence. Both were arrested and culver admitted his involvement in the robbery, according to a statement. ATF recovered a .22 caliber rifle along with several calibers of ammunition, a shock wave explosive target, and multiple explosive tags and instructional materials from the residence.
“This theft created a serious and unnecessary danger to the public,” ,” ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes said in a news release. “As a result, the ATF and LMPD [Louisville Metro Police Dept.] 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.”
Culver is also charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
No motive for the robbery has yet been released.
A record provided by the city shows the plan commission approved a zoning change from single-family residential to multi-family residential in 2023 for the property where townhouses, a clubhouse and a pool are planned in 16 two-story buildings on the west side of Old Bardstown Road.
According to Dodge Construction Network, the civil engineer for the project is Land Design & Development Inc. of Louisville and the project’s valuation is between $15 million and $24.9 million.
