Authorities still have not pinpointed a motive in the theft of explosives from Camp Frank D. Merrill Army Base in Dahlonega, but they do not believe the suspect in the case was planning any kind of attack.
Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson confirmed Friday the investigation continues into the thefts and the subsequent arrest of U.S. Army Sgt. Jesse Phillips.
Johnson said in an email statement investigators with the Dawson County Sheriff's Office first became aware of the possible illegal activity through an anonymous tip.
"On Wednesday September 2, 2020, investigators with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) received an anonymous tip that a male subject, identified as U.S. Army Sergeant Jesse Phillips, was stealing explosives from Camp Merrill, a U.S. Army training facility located in Lumpkin County, Georgia," Johnson said. "The tipster also reported that marijuana and prescription pills were being abused by Phillips."
The sheriff said investigators immediately began surveillance of Phillips' activities and quickly gained enough evidence to conduct a traffic stop on Phillips' vehicle near his home on Stegall Circle.
"A search of Phillips' vehicle led to the discovery of two Army-issued smoke grenades," Johnson said. "A subsequent search of Phillips' residence led investigations to find 15 'simulator projectile ground burst M115s' all [of] which are destructive devices. Investigators also located four blasting fuses and one Army-issued smoke grenade."
Johnson said an M115 is used to simulate the sound and effects of incoming artillery shells; he said the devices are "destructive" and "can be extremely dangerous if mishandled."
The searches also turned up tamoxifen, Clomiphene and hydrocodone.
Johnson said investigators also found a handgun and two rifles during their searches, but he said those weapons had been purchased legally and belonged to Phillips.
Phillips was booked into the Dawson County Jail on felony charges of manufacturing/possession of explosive devices, felony possession of controlled substances and misdemeanor possession of dangerous drugs. Phillips posted a $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody.
Johnson said the Dawson County Sheriff's Office is working with ATF and special agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division at Fort Benning as the investigation continues.
