Albuquerque Man Charged After Grenade Found in Home

Federal charges filed after medical call leads to discovery of functional explosive device.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A 46-year-old Albuquerque man named Jeff Bramlett has been charged with possessing an unregistered firearm, specifically a homemade grenade, after police responded to his home for a medical call and discovered the explosive device.

Why it matters

The discovery of an active grenade in a residential home raises serious public safety concerns and highlights the potential dangers of unregistered and illegally owned firearms and explosives in the community.

The details

According to court documents, Albuquerque police officers were called to Bramlett's home after he requested medical assistance. When they arrived, the officers noticed what appeared to be hand grenades and contacted the FBI. Agents were able to locate two devices resembling grenades in the living room, and after examination by bomb technicians, one was found to be a functional grenade that reacted positively to a flame test.

  • On January 28, 2026, Albuquerque police responded to Bramlett's home for a medical call.

The players

Jeff Bramlett

A 46-year-old Albuquerque resident who has been charged with possessing an unregistered firearm, specifically a homemade grenade, after police found the device in his home.

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What’s next

Bramlett will remain in federal custody until his trial. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper registration and safe storage of firearms and explosives to protect public safety, as well as the need for vigilance by law enforcement and residents to identify and report any suspicious devices or activities in their neighborhoods.