A 15-year-old high school student in Alachua County, Florida, was arrested after an investigation by local authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) purportedly discovered that he was attempting to build explosives for a terrorist organization.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and FBI conducted a joint search on Friday at the home of 15-year-old Jude Sleeper, after investigators discovered he was communicating online with members and supporters of the Islamist terrorist group ISIS.
Sleeper was charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device after authorities discovered he was seeking advice on how to build drones and explosives to attack people at an unknown location. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, ACSO and the FBI noted on Tuesday.
The ACSO office also added that they spoke with the15-year-old’s parents, who allowed police to search their home and their child’s phone.
Upon searching Sleeper’s phone, they reportedly found files containing instructions for making explosive devices and chemical compounds — as well as ISIS-related content and propaganda.
Inside his bedroom, investigators found two jars. Sleeper reportedly admitted they contained chemicals used to manufacture triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile explosive. The residence was immediately evacuated, and the ACSO Bomb Squad responded to secure the scene and evaluate the hazardous materials.
Once the home was rendered safe, ACSO detectives obtained and executed a second search warrant.
