Wymore Man Sentenced to Probation for Drugs, Explosives

A Wymore man was given four years of probation after being arrested last year for possession of drugs and explosives.Roger Powell, age 63, was arrested the morning of Thursday, August 4, 2022, after the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and Wymore Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in Wymore.During a search of the residence, law enforcement located what a press release described as, “several destructive devices, a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, a glass meth pipe, and a small amount of marijuana,” as well as, “several substances and devices that could potentially be components of additional explosive devices.”An Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician from the Nebraska State Patrol assisted in the search of the residence.Powell was originally charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, each a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine; unlawful possession of explosives, also a class 4 felony; possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, an infraction; and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction.In accordance with a plea agreement, Powell pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance and a reduced charge of attempt of a Class 4 felony, which is a class 1 misdemeanor.Prior to sentencing, Gage County Public Defender Lee Timan to the court he believed the explosive materials were related to home-made fireworks, “I don't think we're talking about bombs.”Presiding Judge Rick A. Schreiner sentenced the defendant to 48 months of probation for each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.This is not the first time explosives have been located at this address. According to records from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency removed “explosives related chemicals” in 1995.A “Finding of Imminent and Substantial Endangerment” stated, in part, “The removal action was the result of an emergency request by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. They reported that the Nebraska State Patrol needed help with the disposal of explosives related chemicals. The property owner, Roger Powell, was making fireworks in his kitchen when an explosion occurred. Related chemicals were stored in the house and it was necessary to remove all chemicals to stabilize the situation, according to the State Patrol. Illegal weapons had been found at the house and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) personnel were involved.”The report also notes, “The release, or explosion occurred when the property owner was mixing alcohol with gunpowder and was smoking a cigarette at the same time. The explosion caused serious harm to Mr. Powell, who lost several fingers and was taken to a Veterans Administration hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.”

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