Man Charged With Planting Bomb at Roswell Park

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A Roswell man has been charged plotting to damage federal property when he allegedly placed a backpack filled with bomb making materials on a trail at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area near Vickery Creek.

Michael C. Sibley made his initial appearance on federal charges that “he intentionally conveyed false information relating to the unlawful use of an explosive device, and attempting to damage federal property by use of an explosive device, in connection with a device found at the park,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia said on Monday.

Sibley, 67, of Roswell appeared on Monday before United States Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker. He was was arrested by the FBI pursuant to a criminal complaint filed March 21, the office added.

“The defendant allegedly placed a bag containing what appeared to be pipe bombs in Vickery Creek Park,” said Acting U. S. Attorney John Horn. “This arrest should reassure the community that serious crimes like this will be investigated thoroughly and all leads followed to identify the perpetrator.”

A resident on Nov. 4, 2014, reported a suspicious package at the park. Roswell police discovered a backpack along a trail in the park that contained two partially assembled pipe bombs.

The backpack also contained a Falcons schedule, a MARTA schedule and other papers, books and clothing, Horn outlined in his case. According to WSB-TV, Sibley also placed a copy of the Quran, a book titled “The Rape of Kuwait” and the location of the Marcus Jewish Community Center.

He also said he left the bomb on the trail as a “patriot” because, according to him, “no one is paying attention to the world and if someone found the explosive, they would understand that a bomb could be placed anywhere,” WSB says, citing the complaint.

• Read the rest of WSB-TV’s report here

FBI agents on March 20 identified Sibley as the individual who placed the device in the park and arrested him on a criminal complain.

The complaint charges Sibley with 1) intentionally conveying false information under circumstances where such information reasonably indicated that a violation of a federal statute prohibiting the unlawful use of an explosive device would take place; and 2) attempting to damage federal property by use of an explosive device.

“Reports of backpacks containing possible explosive devices are obviously taken seriously by the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF),” said J. Britt Johnson, special agent in charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office. “The law enforcement response by Roswell Police, the FBI and its JTTF, as well as a significant response by area Explosives Ordnance Disposal units, was not only time consuming but costly to the taxpayers.”

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Tracia M. King is prosecuting the case.

What Should You Read Next?

• Police: Bomb Making Materials Found at Roswell Park

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