DENVER (CBS4) – A federal grand jury has indicted a former Marine from Jefferson County for allegedly being a drug addict in possession of weapons and explosives.
Richard Sandberg, 35, appeared in federal court on Tuesday with short hair and a smile frequently on his face. He was arrested on Jan. 24 inside his home after he told undercover agents about his stockpile of weapons that included grenades and pipe bombs. A total of 31 explosive devices were removed from the home after he was arrested.
Prosecutors said in court that Sandberg received a less-than-honorable discharge from the Marines for cocaine use after two years as a reservist. They also said that Sandberg made threats about agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, saying he would “kill every last one of them if they come banging on my door.”
They said he wanted to trade explosives for cocaine, and that Sandberg offered to go to Red Rocks for a demonstration.
Sandberg’s defense attorney’s said the grenades that were in his home were inert, that there was no napalm (Sandberg had claimed) and also that he is a survivalist and only meant the threatening words if there was a breakdown in society.
Richard Sandberg was arrested on Jan. 24, 2013, and police and federal agents searched his home for explosives and weapons. These photos were shared with CBS4 by a neighbor. (credit: CBS)
A judge was set to decide whether Sandberg will get bond during a hearing on Wednesday.
After Sandberg was arrested there was a heavy police presence at his home at 4648 S. Swadley Way in unincorporated Jefferson County. In addition to the explosive devices, bomb squads and other authorities removed three guns and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
During the operation one neighbor was told to evacuate and other homeowners nearby were told to stay in their homes.
Some neighbors told CBS4 they thought Sandberg “wasn’t quite right.” They said he would often talk with children who hung out near or at his house.
LINK: Read The Arrest Affadavit
