FBI takes interest when man is held in Norfolk, VA hoax-bomb case

[Ian David]

By MATTHEW ROY, The Virginian-Pilot
© August 15, 2007

NORFOLK

Authorities said they discovered fake bombs, hair coloring and a letter to a bank teller when they responded to a Shore Drive motel last week in a case that has drawn the interest of federal investigators.

Larry Askew, 30, was charged Monday with two felony counts of possessing and manufacturing a hoax explosive device, Battalion Chief Bruce Evans of Norfolk Fire-Rescue said Tuesday. Askew is from Portsmouth and may be homeless, Evans said.

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In one briefcase, the affidavit says, they found eight wooden sticks painted red, with the words "caution explosives" written on them, wrapped in cellophane and tape, and connected to wires. According to the affidavit, they found in a second briefcase some packages marked as explosives, with wires connected to a black box with an antenna. Investigators also found a plastic Kmart bag containing hair coloring, makeup, wiring, switches and electronic components, the affidavit states.

They found "a letter of direction to be given to a bank teller, presumably during the course of a robbery, directing them on what to do with the money," the affidavit says.


Larry Askew

More:
http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=130328&ran=115900