Georgia Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing a Destructive Device

Montgomery, Alabama - On October 2, 2024, a federal jury convicted 43-year-old Waylon Blake Gilreath, Sr., a resident of Williamson, Georgia, for possession of an unregistered destructive device, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.

According to court records and evidence presented during Gilreath's trial, on March 20, 2024, Montgomery County law enforcement responded to a Hope Hull, Alabama residence following reports of a domestic disturbance. Deputies arrived and found Gilreath sitting on the front porch of the residence. Responding officers were advised of a protection from abuse order prohibiting Gilreath from being on the property. Deputies eventually arrested Gilreath on charges related to the domestic disturbance.

During a search of Gilreath's vehicle, which was parked on the property, deputies found nine firearms - including handguns and AR-style firearms - numerous rounds of ammunition, several ammunition magazines, and two sets of body armor. Several of the magazines were high-capacity drum style magazines. In addition, deputies located four prescription medication bottles that contained what appeared to be an explosive mixture of some type. Lab analysis later confirmed that the bottles contained two common substances used in exploding targets. Three of the devices were also found to contain shrapnel, which would enhance the destructive power of the devices.

Following this conviction, Gilreath faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison with no parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Christopher P. Moore prosecuted.