A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to illegally importing and selling plutonium, a radioactive nuclear material, from Russia, through an online business that sold chemical elements.
The unusual case exposed a years-long obsession with explosives and radioactive materials, leading authorities to uncover weapons in his home and dangerous shipments sent to numerous customers around the world in violation of federal law.
Jacob D. Miller, 44, of Massachusetts, set up an online business called "Collect the Periodic Table" to sell samples of various chemical elements to private customers. As part of this operation, he illegally imported radioactive materials from Russia and shipped plutonium and other substances such as thallium to dozens of customers in the United States and around the world. The shipments were made using regular postal services, in direct violation of federal law that strictly prohibits transporting such dangerous materials through the mail.
Law enforcement officials said this activity represents another peak in Miller's conduct, which they described as showing "a years-long, unlawful obsession with explosives, dangerous chemicals, and radioactive materials."
Authorities found that he had already been convicted in 2004 of possessing an explosive device, and that earlier searches of his home had turned up particularly alarming findings including a rocket launcher, a pipe bomb, and video footage showing Miller detonating improvised explosive devices.
Despite early warnings he received from state authorities about selling various radioactive materials online, Miller continued his dangerous activity. A subsequent search of his home uncovered several rifles, gunpowder, and ammunition, all in violation of the law due to his status as a convicted felon.
Now, following a plea agreement filed in federal court, he has admitted guilt to a series of serious offenses including importing nuclear materials, unlawfully possessing ammunition and explosives, and shipping dangerous materials.
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for January 21 before federal Judge Mark Mastroianni. Miller faces a significant prison term that could reach more than forty-six years behind bars, depending on whether the court allows his various sentences to run concurrently. His attorneys have not yet issued an official response to the plea agreement or the serious indictment.
