A Wisconsin man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to possessing chemicals intended for creating chlorine gas for non-peaceful purposes, according to Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
James Morgan, formerly known as Karactus Blome, entered a guilty plea on April 21, 2025, before United States District Judge Brett Ludwig. The plea was for one count of possession of chemical weapon precursors—specifically chemicals that combine to create chlorine gas.
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Court documents reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discovered the precursor chemicals during a search of Morgan’s storage unit on December 21, 2023. Morgan, who had previously studied chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, had allegedly described himself as a weapon designer.
Evidence presented included a video in which Morgan displayed the chemicals, stating they were for making “a lot of chlorine very quickly.”
Messages sent by Morgan in 2022 described the chemicals as “scary” and capable of producing a large amount of chlorine gas, noting it could be “effective if your enemy is not ready for it.” He also reportedly shared links for purchasing the chemicals and discussed quantities needed for rapid gas production.
Further messages from 2023 outlined a plan Morgan allegedly discussed, involving the production of a large chlorine cloud to potentially use against approximately twenty government agents, should they attempt to seize his firearms.
Analysis by the FBI Laboratory confirmed that the chemicals Morgan possessed could generate a significant amount of chlorine gas, capable of causing rapid, serious health effects, including death.
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Sentencing is scheduled for August 1, 2025, before Judge Ludwig. Morgan faces a potential sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and five years of supervised release following any prison term.
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