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DRAPER — Criminal charges were filed Friday against a Draper man accused of having a hidden room of chemicals used to make explosives, in addition to drugs, all while two children were in the house.
James Michael Duffy, 39, is charged in 3rd District Court with possession of explosive parts, child endangerment and drug possession, all third-degree felonies; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor.
On July 31, Draper police served a search warrant at 15138 Holly Grove Court. A police K-9 found several items of drug paraphernalia, including a "loaded syringe with field-tested methamphetamine," according to charging documents.
While further investigating the house, detectives found "a hidden room under the stairs in the basement," the charges state. In it, police reported finding "two large bags" that contained "powdered chemicals and wires."
A bomb squad was called and the house was evacuated. A crew from Unified Fire Authority determined the chemicals were "explosive materials deconstructed from commercial grade fireworks," as well as other precursors to explosives such as barium peroxide, iron oxide, sodium hydroxide, black powder, sodium chloride and more, the charges state.
The chemicals that were determined to be unstable were detonated in Duffy's yard.
Also found in the house was "an intact grenade head and primer," according to court documents. Two children, ages 15 and 6, were also found in the house. Duffy's son told investigators that his father sold meth out of the house where the two children lived, the charges state.
In April, Duffy was charged with 32 charges — including 26 felonies — mainly for drugs and possession of stolen bank cards, according to court records. Likewise, he was charged in 3rd District Court with 13 additional charges — 12 of them felonies — mainly for forgery in May.
Between the three cases, Duffy faces a total of 41 felonies. None of the cases had been resolved as of Friday.
