Albuquerque Man Charged After FBI Finds Modified Hand Grenade In His Home

Authorities say the device was a functional grenade containing explosive material.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:55pm

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An Albuquerque man named Jeff Bramlett, 46, has been federally charged with unlawfully possessing an improvised explosive device after the FBI discovered a modified hand grenade in his home. The device was found to be a functional grenade containing explosive material.

Why it matters

The discovery of a modified and functional hand grenade in a private residence raises serious public safety concerns, as such devices pose a significant threat if mishandled or misused. This case highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in identifying and addressing potential threats to the community.

The details

According to court documents, on December 31, 2025, the Albuquerque Police Department responded to Bramlett's residence after he requested medical assistance. While assisting, officers observed what appeared to be hand grenades and called in the FBI's Albuquerque Special Agent Bomb Technicians. Agents located two devices, one resembling a pineapple-shaped MK 2 fragmentation grenade and another similar to an M26 fragmentation grenade, both fitted with functional military training fuzes. On January 7, 2026, the devices were safely disassembled, and one was determined to be a functional grenade containing explosive material.

  • On December 31, 2025, the Albuquerque Police Department responded to Bramlett's residence.
  • On January 7, 2026, FBI and APD bomb technicians safely disassembled the devices.

The players

Jeff Bramlett

A 46-year-old Albuquerque resident who has been federally charged with unlawfully possessing an improvised explosive device.

Albuquerque Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that initially responded to Bramlett's residence and called in the FBI's bomb technicians.

FBI's Albuquerque Special Agent Bomb Technicians

The FBI agents who located and safely disassembled the modified hand grenades found in Bramlett's home.

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What’s next

Bramlett will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and cooperation between agencies in identifying and addressing potential threats to public safety, such as the discovery of modified and functional explosive devices in private residences.