Pennsylvania Neo-Nazi Bomb-maker Operated 'The White Church'

When federal agents searched the residence of Eric Charles Smith, of Baldwin Borough, last summer, they found white supremacist literature and Nazi paraphernalia and a podium apparently used for neo-Nazi “church services.” 

They also seized about 20 improvised explosive devices, precursor chemicals used to make bombs and written formulas for explosives, the Justice Department said in a statement. One of the explosive devices was described as a fully assembled 6-inch fused cylinder that had nails and pieces of shrapnel taped to it.

In addition, police and federal agents found shipping labels and receipts indicating Smith had been buying bomb-making chemicals online since at least early March 2014 and had them sent to the “White Church” in care of his name at the house, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

Authorities have not disclosed if they have identified any intended targets of the bomb-maker or if any unsolved bombings in the Pittsburgh area have been tied to Smith or his group. There have been no other related arrests.

The case began when police arrested Smith on charges of domestic violence involving a female companion and a young child.

Two days later, while Smith remained in jail, his girlfriend obtained a protection order. She asked officers to remove his items, leading to the discovery of what appeared to be a bomb-making operation, according to agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

Initially, Smith was indicted on federal charges of unlawful possession of a destructive device and a second count of knowingly engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials. Because of his prior felony convictions, Smith couldn’t legally possess such material.

Smith pleaded guilty last week to the possession of a destructive device charge in a plea deal that apparently will involve prosecutors dismissing the second count.  The plea deal means Smith likely will receive a lesser sentence than if he had been convicted by a jury of both counts.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled in December. Smith will remain in custody in the meantime.