LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Two Louisville residents are in custody after authorities say more than 400 pounds of explosives were stolen.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, a complaint alleges that 44-year-old James Culver and 39-year-old Lasierra Chesher stole explosive materials on March 31, 2025.
Officials said approximately 438 pounds of explosives were taken. Authorities were able to recover all of the materials after receiving a tip.
“The ATF and LMPD were notified on April 1 that a significant amount of explosives had been stolen from a construction site off Bardstown Road,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “ATF agents and LMPD officers immediately worked together to locate the explosives and identify a suspect, with help from the Louisville community. In less than 24 hours, due to exceptional investigative efforts, ATF and LMPD recovered all stolen materials and arrested the suspects.”
According to the complaint, Culver and Chesher stored the explosives at another person’s home after taking them from the construction site. Officials said Culver fled when law enforcement approached, but both suspects were eventually taken into custody.
Authorities said Culver admitted to his role in the theft.
Searches of their residences led to the discovery of a rifle, a shockwave exploding target, and multiple explosive labels and instructional materials.
Culver is charged with theft of explosive material, possession of explosive material, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Officials said he is barred from possessing explosives and firearms due to prior felony convictions.
Chesher is charged with theft of explosive material and possession of explosive material by a prohibited person, also due to prior felony convictions.
If convicted, Culver faces up to 35 years in prison, while Chesher faces a maximum sentence of 20 years.
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