WATERVILLE, Maine — A Waterville man was arrested after agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation say they discovered homemade "explosive devices" in his apartment.
FBI agents were seen at a home on Front Street near the intersection of Union Street early Friday.
Xavier Pelkey was arrested by the FBI and was taken into custody without incident, according to FBI spokesperson Kristen Setera.
Pelkey was accused of possessing unregistered firearms found in his apartment during a search by the FBI on Feb. 11, according to court documents.
FBI agents said the devices in question were crafted with fireworks bundled together with tape. Staples, pins, and thumb tacks also were inserted into the bundles, according to court documents.
An FBI special agent who analyzed the explosives told the court in an affidavit that the metal items packed inside the devices were meant to increase the amount of shrapnel expelled during an explosion if the devices were to be detonated.
Pelkey reportedly told the agent he had fireworks inside his home.
"I asked him why the fireworks were taped together, and he said he wanted to make a 'bigger boom,'" the agent said.
FBI agents did not disclose what Pelkey intended to do with the explosives.
Pelkey is expected to appear in court this week for a preliminary hearing. The investigation is ongoing.
