Feds Charge Montco Man For Having Molotov Cocktail

WILLOW GROVE, PA — A Montgomery County man faces federal charges for being in possession of a homemade firebomb, specifically a Molotov cocktail, in Philadelphia on New Years Eve.

Jacob Dean Robotin, 25, of Willow Grove, was charged with possessing an unregistered destructive device.

Robotin was taken into custody by the FBI Tuesday but released on conditions which were not made available.

Robotin was arrested while with a large group of vandals in Center City Philadelphia, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. The group spray painted, set off fireworks, and broke windows at the Federal Detention Center and the Robert C. Nix Federal Building, amid other city locations.

Police found three members of the group, one of which was Robotin, in possession of a glass bottle containing liquid and fuses, along with some tape inside, authorities said.

Officers noticed that the glass bottle had a heavy odor of flammable liquid and Robotin had more fuses, lighters, camping heat sources, and fireworks, among other items in his backpack, according to authorities.

If convicted, Robotin faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, three years probation, and a fine of up to $250,000.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Max Bennett