Man charged in explosives investigation appears before judge

DELAND, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Jared Coburn faced a Volusia County judge on Wednesday afternoon, as deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office gave reporters a first look inside a home where they found explosives, which investigators called the "Mother of Satan."

When deputies entered the house in Lake Helen, they discovered containers filled with the deadly explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) wedged behind furniture, hidden in cabinets, and just lying on the countertop. The man whom deputies say made those chemicals is 37-year-old Coburn.

Coburn's cousin, Hyrum Schick, Jr., spoke out on his behalf during the court appearance. 

“I've known him to be a man of integrity, a man with family values, a church-goer. I know he's not malicious, and I know he has no intent to harm others.”

The prosecutor argued against the judge granting him bond.

“I would argue the court also has to take into consideration the safety of the public. With all due respect to the public defender, he's lucky to be standing here talking to us now, based on the explosive nature of the substances recovered.”

Deputies blew up the containers of TATP which was safely removed from Coburn’s home, using robots. Coburn's neighbor, Vanessa Askins, was stunned.

“They said it was all stuff he made with household chemicals. That's unbelievable! Unbelievable!.”

Embry-Riddle chemistry Professor John Mathis said it was a frightening situation.

“Problem is, it's so dangerous to handle. It's very shock-sensitive. Anything can set it off. Very dangerous to have around. It could explode at any moment,” he said.

Coburn faces felony charges for making the explosives. The judge granted him a $45,000 bond.