Explosives case to be heard here

Among those indicted by the Morgan County Grand Jury earlier this month was Matthew Dean Smith, accused of illegally possessing explosive material.

Smith, 33, of Long Hollow Lane, Great Cacapon, had been set for trial next week in U.S. District Court, Martinsburg. However, the federal charges were dismissed on January 16, after Smith had been indicted in Morgan County Circuit Court on January 8.

Smith was indicted for possession and manufacture of explosive material without proper permits, a felony, and six misdemeanor counts of violating the State Fire Code.

The charges stem from an investigation by Federal Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms agents, West Virginia State Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The investigating officers reported confiscating explosives from Smith’s property in Great Cacapon in September, 2011. The investigation began after Smith allegedly tried to sell explosives to State Police and to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.

No trail date has yet been set.