TWO MEN CHARGED IN EAST SIDE CHEMICAL EXPLOSION INDICTED

Posted on 4/20/2016

Defendant: Alphonso D. Mobley Jr., and Roberto M. Innis Jr.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced today that the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Alphonso Dwayne Mobley, Jr., age 26, and Roberto Mario Innis, Jr., age 21, in connection to the East Side blast that occurred on April 5, 2016, where investigators from the Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Police Department and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force responded to an explosion at 609 S Hampton Rd, a residence occupied by the defendants.  Defendant Mobley was holding an explosive device that detonated, causing serious injuries.  In a search of the residence, investigators found chemicals and equipment used to produce explosives, as well as firearms.  Both defendants have been indicted for one count of Aggravated Arson with Specification (F-1), one count of Criminal Use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear Weapon or Explosive with Specification (F-2), one count of  Criminal Possession of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear Weapon or Explosive with Specification (F-3), one count of Illegal Assembly or Possession of Chemicals or Substances for the Manufacture of a Chemical Weapon, Biological Weapon, Radiological or Nuclear Weapon or Explosive Device with Specification (F-4), and one count of Illegally Manufacturing or Possessing Explosives with Specification (F-2) .  Mobley was also indicted for one count of Having Weapons While Under Disability (F-3) as he was under indictment for Breaking and Entering at the time of this offense.  “If convicted for these charges, they each face a potential sentence in excess of 36 years in prison, with Mobley facing an additional 3 years for possessing a firearm while under indictment for another felony offense”, O’Brien stated.  Mr. O’Brien commended the Columbus Fire and Police Departments and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task force for their ongoing investigation of this case.  Arraignment for both defendants is set for Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at 1:30 pm in courtroom 2B at 345 S. High Street.