An airman at Scott Air Force Base admitted in federal court here Wednesday that he possessed three illegal pipe bombs at his home in Shiloh, but there was no explanation at the hearing of why.
Previously filed charging documents claim that Justin VanGilder told an unnamed visitor to his home that he was suicidal and had fantasies of killing child molesters.
VanGilder, 24, of Twin Oaks Drive, acknowledged in court that he had two bombs with plastic casings and one made of metal. All were packed with smokeless powder, bird shot and nails, and equipped with fuses, his plea documents say. He pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing unregistered destructive devices, and could face up to 10 years in prison on each when sentenced Aug 1. Federal sentencing guidelines are likely to call for much less time, however.
