GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -
One of the men arrested in connection with an explosion near a Gulfport home last month admits he's been collecting scrap metal from Camp Shelby for almost a quarter of a century. Investigators revealed that shocking detail Friday in federal court.
Jimmy Lee Wilson and David Bangs both face charges of Unlawful Possession of a Destructive Device. During Friday's initial court appearance, officials tied the pair to an illegal and dangerous scrap metal operation that seriously injured Dale Ray Johnson last month.
Officials believe the men would sneak onto Camp Shelby, take unexploded ordinances and return to Gulfport to convert the explosives into scrap metal. That metal would then be sold to a recycling yard in Mobile.
Jimmy Lee Wilson told investigators he's been collecting scrap metal from Camp Shelby for almost 25 years. When WLOX News shared that courtroom comment with Tim Powell, the Director of Public Affairs for the Mississippi National Guard, he wasn't surprised.
"We have warning signs to keep people out of the area," Powell told WLOX News. "Most of the good people in South Mississippi are obeying the warning signs, but there are a select few who are ignoring these signs."
Powell said it's a crime to remove any munitions from the impact area surrounding the base. And even more importantly, it can be deadly.
"We have had some public campaigns to let the public know the dangers of when they find unexploded ordinance on places like the impact area and other places on Camp Shelby, or any other installation where there may be a firing range or an impact area."
"We want to make sure that this doesn't happen again," ATF Agent Joel Lee said. "We also want to make sure that everyone knows if you come across one of these military ordinances, please do not handle it, do not meddle with it. Call and report it."
The judge in the case said the salvage operation showed a reckless disregard for the welfare of others, especially since there were children on the property where the device detonated.
The defense in the case tried to paint a more balanced image of the suspects, questioning if the materials taken needed to be registered. They also argued that there's no evidence that either of the men actually had the explosives in their possession.
Bond was denied for both Bangs and Wilson. They're scheduled to appear before a judge once again on Monday.
Lance Looney, the third man charged in the case, has his initial hearing Monday. He is also charged with Unlawful Possession of a Destructive Device.
Dale Johnson is now recovering from his injuries at home. AFT officials say they aren't sure yet what, if any charges he may face.
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