May 29, 2023 at 4:22 p.m.
Probation ordered in explosive device case
By River News Staff-
Zachary W. Ames entered the pleas Friday in an appearance before retired Oneida County circuit judge Patrick O'Melia.
In accordance with a joint recommendation outlined by assistant district attorney Jillian Pfeifer and defense attorney Maggie Hogan, O'Melia agreed to a three-year deferred entry of judgment on the recklessly endangering safety count and sentenced Ames to three years probation on the possession of improvised explosives count.
He will receive credit for 49 days served if the deferred entry of judgment is ever revoked.
According to the attorneys, Ames has arranged to enroll in a program in southern Wisconsin where he will receive intensive treatment.
Ames was facing a total of seven felony counts as well as one misdemeanor charge.
In the first case, filed on Dec. 6, 2022, Ames was charged with possession of improvised explosives and second degree recklessly endangering safety after a tree in his backyard was reported to be on fire. He later admitted to setting the fire by placing an improvised explosive inside it, according to the complaint.
Despite a bond condition prohibiting possession of explosive implements, Ames was back in court in early January on charges including felony bail jumping and possession of improvised explosives.
Those charges were filed after police investigated a report of an explosion near Ames's residence during the early morning hours of Jan. 6, 2023.
A third criminal complaint was filed on April 12. It was prompted by reports of an explosion in the Alban Street neighborhood, this one at approximately 6:30 a.m. April 10.
After obtaining a search warrant, police found "numerous items" that could be used to make improvised explosives in the basement of the Ames home. Some of the items were hidden in the rafters, according to the complaint.
Also located in the search was a Ninja blender top with what appeared to be explosive powder residue, the complaint said.
Items of drug paraphernalia and a substance later determined to be THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) were also located in the residence, according to a police report attached to the complaint.
During the sentencing hearing, Pfeifer, Hogan and O'Melia all stressed that Ames was extremely fortunate that his activities did not result in serious injuries or death to himself, his young child or a member of the public.
"The defendant is certainly lucky that no one was harmed while he was doing this but it's certainly concerning behavior and it needs to be addressed," Pfeifer said.
The prosecutor also noted that the FBI considered taking the case but ultimately decided not to because no one was injured.
Hogan stated that she does not believe Ames ever had any intention of actually harming anyone, rather he became fixated on explosive devices. He has no adult criminal record and a felony conviction is a significant punishment, she added, noting that Ames understands the seriousness of his conduct and is eager to address his underlying issues in treatment.
In a brief dialogue with O'Melia, Ames confirmed his attorney's statements as to his understanding of the wrongfulness of his conduct.
"You can't do that anymore," O'Melia told him, referring to making explosives.
"I understand completely, sir," he responded.
"You are so lucky that no one was injured," O'Melia added as he accepted the attorneys' recommendations. "Hopefully we'll get you on the straight and narrow again."
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