Boise Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Possessing Unregistered Explosive Devices

69-year-old Jonathan W. VanCuren pleaded guilty to charges related to improvised explosive devices found at his home.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 69-year-old Boise man has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of unregistered improvised explosive devices. Jonathan W. VanCuren was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford, who also ordered two years of supervised release following his prison term.

Why it matters

The possession of unregistered explosive devices is a serious federal crime that raises public safety concerns. This case highlights the importance of law enforcement vigilance and the need to hold individuals accountable for such dangerous activities.

The details

According to court records, law enforcement officers served search warrants at VanCuren's Boise residence on February 8 and 10, 2024. During the searches, officers located seven improvised explosive devices inside a wooden box and a metal box belonging to VanCuren. Authorities said each device contained an explosive main charge, a main charge container and an initiation system, and that all were assembled and in operating condition.

  • On February 8 and 10, 2024, law enforcement officers served search warrants at VanCuren's Boise residence.
  • On September 18, 2025, VanCuren pleaded guilty to the charge.

The players

Jonathan W. VanCuren

A 69-year-old Boise man who was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of unregistered improvised explosive devices.

Amanda K. Brailsford

The Chief U.S. District Judge who sentenced VanCuren and also ordered two years of supervised release following his prison term.

Boise Police Department

The law enforcement agency that, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigated the case.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The federal law enforcement agency that, along with the Boise Police Department, investigated the case.

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What’s next

The judge in the case has already sentenced VanCuren to 24 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious nature of possessing unregistered explosive devices and the consequences individuals can face for engaging in such dangerous activities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for vigilant law enforcement to address these types of threats.