2 arrested after stolen explosives recovered in Louisville, officials say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Two individuals from Louisville are behind bars after authorities say over 400 pounds of explosives were stolen.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, a complaint alleged 44-year-old James Culver and 39-year-old Lasierra Chesher stole explosive materials on March 31, 2025.

In total, officials say around 438 pounds were stolen.

The attorney’s office states it was able to recover all of the explosives thanks to a tip.

“The ATF and LMPD were notified on April 1 that a significant amount of explosives had been stolen from a construction site off Bardstown Road,” said United States attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “ATF agents and LMPD officers immediately joined forces to locate the explosive materials and identify a suspect, seeking the help of the Louisville community. In less than 24 hours, and because of exceptional investigative efforts, ATF and LMPD located and safely recovered all stolen explosive materials and arrested the alleged culprits.”

According to a complaint, Culver and Chesher stored the explosives at another person’s residence after stealing them from the construction site.

Officials say when law enforcement approached both individuals, Culver fled. Both subjects were apprehended.

According to officials, Culver admitted to his involvement in the theft.

After searching the residence of both individuals, officials say they located a rifle, a shockwave exploding target and multiple explosive labels and instructional materials.

Along with the theft of explosive material charge, Culver is also charged with possession of explosive material and possession of a firearm by prohibited person. Culver is prohibited from possessing explosive material and a firearm because he has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, according to officials.

Along with the theft of explosive material charge, Chesher is further charged with possession of explosive material by a prohibited person. She was prohibited from possessing explosive materials because she had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses as well, according to officials.

If convicted, Culver faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison. Chesher faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.