CLEARFIELD – A Curwensville man was sent to state prison Tuesday for making bombs as a “hobby”.
Clinton Andrew Park, 34, pleaded guilty to five felony counts of weapons of mass destruction and risking a catastrophe in one case and weapons of mass destruction and risking a catastrophe in another case, during sentencing court.
President Judge Paul E. Cherry sentenced him to serve five to 16 years in state prison with five years consecutive probation.
Prior to sentencing, his attorney, Jendi Schwab, asked that Park be made eligible for the state drug treatment program. She also asked for a maximum sentence lower than the probation office’s recommended 16 year maximum.
She explained it wasn’t his intent to hurt anyone.
“It was just a hobby.”
She added that the original bombs were found in a home he was not even living in at the time.
District Attorney Ryan Sayers responded that it was “quite a dangerous hobby”, especially since the bombs contained shrapnel.
Cherry commented that it was indeed “quite the hobby” and noted that Park could have made wine/beer or collected stamps instead of choosing “an illegal hobby.”
The original case stems from an incident on July 21 after Park texted his ex-wife asking for items he left at his previous home.
This included a message that said he wanted to retrieve a metal box that was in in which he kept “my ammo and bombs and knives.”
After she opened the box and found the bombs, a firearm, and a large knife, she called police.
A trooper examined the contents of the box and reportedly found several possible bombs, a modified shotgun and other items, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
The area was evacuated and bomb specialists called in to assess the devices.
Meanwhile, police were able to take Park into custody at a business in Curwensville. When he was interviewed, he admitted to making the bombs.
It was noted that because Park has a previous felony offense he is not permitted to possess firearms. Online court records show he pleaded guilty to burglary in 2011.
The bomb expert reported there were five bombs altogether that were made with different materials including shrapnel which were dangerous. They were dismantled and rendered safe. Items possibly used to make the bombs were seized by police.
A campground in Greenwood Township where Park was staying was also searched after he reportedly admitted he had another homemade device at his camper, according to the affidavit in the second case.
