Popular Science Article Leads to Houston County Man’s Conviction

Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Houston County man has pleaded guilty to a federal explosives charge.

The U.S. Attorney for Minnesota says 58-year-old Kenneth Ray Miller entered the plea today to the charge of manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis. His sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.

A news release says the investigation that led to the Brownsville man's prosecution was prompted by an article in Popular Science magazine about Miller manufacturing pyrotechnics at his rural property. Because he has previous felony convictions, Miller is prohibited from possessing firearms and manufacturing and dealing in explosives.

In pleading guilty, Miller admitted manufacturing and selling smoke generating devices containing electric igniters and a chlorate explosive mixture to customers throughout the U.S. He also admitted he did not have a license, permit, or any other authorization to possess or use the explosive materials.

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