Louisville couple accused of stealing 438 pounds of explosives

A man and a woman have been charged for stealing 438 pounds of explosives from a Louisville construction site.

Louisville Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were notified on Wednesday that the explosives had been stolen from a storage facility at a construction site off Bardstown Road, according to the U.S. Attorney's office for the Western District of Kentucky.

ATF agents reported that the explosives were stolen on or about Tuesday. Workers reported the theft. 

According to police, 44-year-old James Culver and 39-year-old Lasierra Chesher allegedly drove to a construction site in the early morning hours where Culver is accused of breaking the locks to get about 100 sticks and six 50-pound bags of explosives. Investigators said they were able to recover all of it.

The two allegedly stored the explosives at another person’s home and returned to their home. When law enforcement approached them, they said Culver fled on foot, but both were taken into custody.

A search of their home found blasting caps, a shockwave exploding target and multiple exploding labels and instructional materials. They also found a .22 caliber rifle and ammunition.

Culver was charged with theft of explosive material, possession of explosive material and possession of a firearm by prohibited person.

Chesher, 39, was charged with theft of explosive material and possession of explosive material by a prohibited person.

Culver faces up to 35 years in prison, while Chesher faces up to 20 years.


(Photos: ATF)