Dothan Bombing Suspect Facing Federal Charges

Montgomery, Alabama – A Dothan, Alabama bombing suspect is now facing federal charges for improperly possessing and maliciously using an explosive device, announced U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr., ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson, Houston County Sheriff Don Valenza, and Dothan Police Chief Steven Parrish.

On February 26, 2019, Sylvio Joseph King (45) of Dothan, Alabama made his initial appearance before a federal judge in Montgomery, Alabama. King was indicted by a federal grand jury for multiple charges related to explosive devices.

According to court documents, King is charged with illegally possessing two different improvised explosive devices back in October 2017. The first device was a remote control bomb that consisted of a galvanized steel pipe that contained bullets and a mixture of an explosive powder. The second device was a directional mine that consisted of aluminum tube that contained lead shot and an explosive powder mixture. King is also charged with using one of the devices to blow up a truck, which resulted in injuries to a victim.

If convicted of all charges, King faces a minimum sentence of 37 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison, as well as significant fines and restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.

An indictment is merely a method of alleging that a crime has been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. King’s trial has been set for June 2019.

U.S. Attorney Franklin would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance with this case: the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Dothan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley Bodiford is prosecuting this case.