Bomb-Making Teen Faces Life Sentence: Prosecutors

BATAVIA, IL — More charges have been filed against a 16-year-old Batavia boy, including a terrorism charge that could lead to a life sentence if he's tried and convicted in adult court, prosecutors said Thursday. The former Batavia High School student is accused of possessing explosives and was arrested in late November at a home on Davey Drive.

Since then, 14 total charges have since been filed in the case, including the terrorism charge, attempted first-degree murder, attempt to cause a catastrophe and eight counts of possession of explosives or incendiary devices, the Daily Herald is reporting. Prosecutors have also filed to move the case to adult court but no date has yet been set for a hearing on that matter.

During a juvenile court hearing on Thursday, a Kane County judge ruled prosecutors and the teen's defense attorney, Gary Johnson, will be able to take a look at a psychological evaluation done on the teen as long as his comments are not used against him, according to the Daily Herald. In addition, a notebook has been entered into evidence that contains information"relevant to his intent and identity."

More:

• Batavia Juvenile Facing Charges In FBI, Police Investigation
• Batavia HS Student In Custody After Explosives Found At Home
• Motion Filed For Batavia Teen In Bomb Case To Be Tried As Adult

The Kane County State's Attorney's Office initially approved charges two months ago against the juvenile for possession of explosives, according to a news release. The charges came after the FBI notified Batavia police on Nov. 26 regarding a tip they received from a third party indicating someone in Batavia had bought materials used to make explosives, according to a news release from the police department.

Police said an early investigation by the FBI led them to hone in on a Batavia High School student, a juvenile, who possibly had the materials. On Nov. 26, Batavia police assisted the FBI with their investigation at a Davey Drive home, police said. Batavia police, the FBI and the Kane County Bomb Unit searched the home and found the explosive materials and containers, according to the news release.

Police said that due to the highly volatile nature of the mixture, it was destroyed where it was found through a controlled detonation. Nearby residents were made aware of the detonation, although they were not at risk, the news release stated.

As a precaution, Batavia High School was searched by bomb sniffing dogs, but no evidence of explosives or materials was found on the school's property, police said.

"Our priority is the public's safety," Batavia Chief of Police Dan Eul said, according to the state's attorney's office, adding that they believed there wasn't a threat to the public.

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