84-year-old accused of creating and selling explosives from home, deputies say

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC/Gray News) - An 84-year-old man in Louisiana was arrested for allegedly creating and selling explosives from his home, according to deputies.

On Oct. 2, detectives searched the home of John W. Sinkankas in relation to an ongoing joint investigation.

Investigators say Sinkakas was manufacturing and selling explosive devices from his home, which is also 500 feet away from a school.

Detectives initially learned the devices were manufactured to resemble fireworks, but after further investigation it was discovered that the devices contained an illegal amount of explosive materials.

During the search, detectives found several pounds of explosive powders, around 18 pounds of explosive precursors, numerous homemade explosives, and materials used to assemble them.

Sinkankas was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with manufacture & possession of delayed action incendiary device.

He was released the following day on a $150,000 bond. The investigation is continuing and more charges are possible.