A Boise resident is headed to federal prison after law enforcement discovered a collection of live improvised explosive devices hidden inside his home. Jonathan W. VanCuren, 69, received a 24-month sentence this week for the possession of an unregistered firearm, a charge specifically tied to the pipe bombs and explosive tools found during a series of raids conducted by federal and local authorities.
The legal proceedings followed an investigation that peaked in early 2024. According to court records, officers served search warrants on VanCuren’s Boise home on February 8 and February 10. During those searches, investigators uncovered seven separate IEDs stored in wooden and metal boxes belonging to the defendant. Each device was found to be fully assembled and in operating condition, consisting of a main explosive charge, a container, and an initiation system.
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Following his guilty plea on September 18, 2025, VanCuren appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford. In addition to the two-year prison term, the judge ordered that VanCuren serve two years of supervised release upon his release from prison.
The case brought together various levels of law enforcement, including the Boise Police Department, its specialized bomb squad, and the FBI. U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis, who announced the sentencing, expressed relief that the devices were removed before any accidental or intentional harm could occur.
“We are thankful to our law enforcement partners who identified and investigated this threat to public safety,” Davis said. “Their efforts led to a successful prosecution and a safe removal of IEDs from our community.”
The inherent danger of keeping live explosives in a residential area was a central theme for investigators. Robert Bohls, the Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City FBI, emphasized that the risk extended far beyond just the person building the devices.
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“Manufacturing explosives inside a home is not only illegal, but it puts the individual, their family, neighbors, and first responders at extreme risk,” Bohls stated. He noted that the investigation was a collaborative effort, adding, “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 prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins.
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