SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury indicted a 49-year-old Sacramento man on three counts after Transportation Security Administration screeners discovered an M-type explosive device, a knife, scissors, zip ties, and a torch lighter in his carry-on bag at Sacramento International Airport, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
Kimani Osayande Jones, also known as Kimani Osayande Jackson, attempted to pass through a TSA checkpoint at approximately 9 p.m. on May 30 to board American Airlines flight 2464, according to court documents. Jones was wearing a scarf covering his face and latex gloves. He also carried five cellphones, one of which displayed a 15-minute timer ready to begin, along with an aerosol can.
Sacramento County Sheriff bomb technicians and an FBI Special Agent bomb technician safely removed the explosive device. Testing determined that both the powder and fuse were viable and energetic. Authorities said the device had the potential to cause injury and, if detonated near a window on a pressurized aircraft flying above 10,000 feet, could have damaged the aircraft and potentially caused a loss of cabin pressure.
The three-count indictment charges Jones with attempting to place a destructive device on an aircraft, unlawful possession of explosive material in an airport, and attempting to carry a dangerous weapon or explosive onto an aircraft. The first count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The second carries up to five years and a $250,000 fine. The third carries up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong is prosecuting the case. “The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.
Any sentence would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Jones’s next court appearance has not yet been publicly scheduled.