Willow Grove man charged with possessing Molotov cocktail
PHILADELPHIA >> A Willow Grove man was charged by federal authorities of possessing an unregistered destructive device, specifically, a homemade firebomb, also known as a “Molotov cocktail,” during a disturbance in Philadelphia.
Jacob Dean Robotin, 25, was arrested on Tuesday by the FBI and had an initial appearance in federal court after which he was released with conditions to await further court action. A more specific address for Robotin was unavailable from federal authorities.
If convicted of the charge, Robotin faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Robotin’s arrest was announced on Tuesday by Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.
“Homemade Molotov cocktails can be incredibly dangerous,” Williams said. “Here, the defendant is alleged to have carried all of the materials needed to endanger the lives of many people. Luckily, Philadelphia Police arrested Robotin before anyone was hurt.
“Let this case serve as a warning to others who might consider acting in a similar way – possession of a Molotov cocktail is not protected speech nor harmless hijinks; it is a serious federal crime,” Williams added.
Federal court documents alleged that, on the evening of Dec. 31, 2020, members of a large group of individuals wearing dark clothing vandalized the Federal Detention Center, the Robert C. Nix Federal Building, and other property in Center City Philadelphia by spray painting, setting off fireworks, and breaking windows. Shortly thereafter, at 600 Sansom St., Philadelphia police officers stopped three individuals, including Robotin, who authorities alleged had a green, militarystyle backpack and was wearing dark clothing with spray paint on his pants.
After other police officers identified the three individuals as being among the larger group, which had members allegedly participating in the vandalism of the Nix Building that evening, officers placed Robotin and the other two unidentified individuals under arrest, federal officials said.
According to the federal complaint, officers found a glass bottle containing liquid and fuses, along with some tape inside Robotin’s backpack. Officers noticed that the glass bottle had a heavy odor of flammable liquid. Additionally, the backpack contained additional fuses, lighters, camping heat sources, and fireworks, among other items, federal authorities alleged.
The Philadelphia Police Bomb Disposal Unit took custody of the items and later transferred custody of the items to the FBI. The Explosives Unit of FBI’s Laboratory later determined that the glass bottle contained gasoline, and together with the fuses, comprised a homemade firebomb, or Molotov cocktail.
“Molotov Cocktails are incendiary weapons which pose a significant danger to the entire community,” said Matthew Varisco, special agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “There is no telling what future acts of violence were prevented because of the swift action of law enforcement. ATF will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal partners to protect our communities against violent crime.”
“Robotin allegedly took to the streets of Center City on New Year’s Eve, armed with a dangerous incendiary device and components for more,” alleged Michael J. Driscoll, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “People don’t casually stroll around with a Molotov cocktail in their bag, just for fun. It’s fortunate that Philadelphia police officers stopped this defendant and found the firebomb before it did any damage or hurt someone.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.