UPDATE: Defense attorney says suspect in LVIA case had fireworks
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A 40-year-old Carbon County man is accused of concealing an explosive in a suitcase at Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Marc Muffley, of Lansford, was arrested at his home Monday night, according to the FBI.
- The FBI said a concealed explosive was found in a man's suitcase
- They identified him as Marc Muffley, 40, of Lansford in Carbon County
- He is in federal custody pending a hearing Thursday in federal court
He allegedly checked the bag Monday morning at the airport for an Allegiant flight headed from Allentown to Sanford, Fla.
The bag never made it on the plane. It set off an alarm as the baggage was being screened by the Transportation Security Administration, according to an FBI criminal complaint.
Agents inspected the bag and found hidden in the lining a circular compound wrapped in wax paper and clear plastic. Authorities said it contained a granular powder consistent with commercial grade fireworks, as well as a wick.
Muffley is charged with possessing an explosive in an airport and possessing or attempting to place an explosive device on an aircraft.
According to the complaint, the powder in the device was susceptible to ignite from heat and friction and posed a significant risk to an aircraft and passengers.
Also in the baggage was a can of butane, a lighter, a pipe with a white powder residue, a wireless drill with cordless batteries and two outlets taped together with black tape, the FBI said.
TSA agents discovered the explosive in the baggage about 11:40 a.m., according to the complaint. Muffley was paged over the airport’s public address system but did not respond.
Security cameras showed him leaving the airport by the lower-level exit around 11:45 a.m., the FBI said.
Agents contacted Carbon County law enforcement authorities, who assisted with the arrest, according to the complaint.
FBI public affairs officer Carrie Adamowski said Muffley remains in custody and faces a hearing Thursday in federal court in Allentown.
Airport officials shut down part of the main terminal Monday as they investigated the suspicious package.
Colin Riccobon, a spokesman for the airport, commended the response of law enforcement, fire and airport operations agencies.
"It was a coordinated effort," he said. Airport operations continued Monday with slight disruptions because of the investigation.
