Prosecutors say a New York man plotted to bomb a social services building in revenge after losing visitation rights.
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NASSAU COUNTY, NY
– A New York man is facing terrorism charges after prosecutors alleged he attempted to bomb the Nassau County Department of Social Services. Authorities say the act was a calculated response to the revocation of his parental visitation rights, turning a family dispute into a serious criminal case.
The Alleged Bombing Plot
James Luca, 46, of North Merrick, was arraigned on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to a series of charges, including terrorism; first-degree criminal possession of a weapon; conspiracy; and third-degree attempted arson, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. He remains in custody with his next court date set for Dec. 19.
“James Luca, aggrieved and blaming Nassau County Child Protective Services for revoking his visitation rights with his children, allegedly hatched a terroristic revenge plot to bomb the Department of Social Services building in Uniondale using an improvised homemade device made of propane tanks and road flares,” Nassau County DA Anne T. Donnelly said in a statement.
Authorities allege that on Sept. 17, Luca and an unnamed co-defendant drove separately from his home at approximately 1:42 a.m. The pair met on Warren Street, transferred to a single vehicle, and proceeded to the Department of Social Services building.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Luca placing propane tanks and road flares at the building’s entrance while his co-defendant acted as a lookout. Investigators say Luca tried and failed to ignite the homemade device by throwing lit flares at it.
After the attempt, both men allegedly returned to Warren Street, abandoned the vehicle used at the scene, and switched back to the second car to return to Luca’s home.
Discovery and Arrest
The device was discovered later that morning by the department’s Director of Investigations, who immediately contacted police. The building was evacuated, and bomb technicians safely neutralized the threat. Investigators reportedly found additional evidence near the scene, including another propane tank and the abandoned vehicle containing road flares.
Luca was arrested on Oct. 3 after law enforcement connected him to the plot.
“This is the first time that my office has pursued the gravely serious charge of terrorism against a defendant,” Donnelly stated.
“James Luca’s alleged actions, his plotting, and his attempts to ignite an explosion at a government building where dozens of public servants work to serve our county every day, justifies this significant upgrade in charges. Luca now faces the potential of life in prison for his radical violence.”
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
Luca faces severe legal repercussions, with potential penalties including 25 years to life in prison if convicted. His charges reflect the gravity of the alleged crime, combining terrorism statutes with charges of weapons possession and attempted arson.
The case is scheduled to proceed in court on Dec. 19. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and the role of Luca’s co-defendant.
This case underscores the seriousness with which authorities approach threats to public safety, particularly when targeting government offices where vital community services are provided.
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