The case of JC Man Charged with Weapons of Mass Destruction Sent to Grand Jury

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

More details surfaced when Robert Thomas Smith, who is accused of manufacturing explosive devices among other charges, appeared in Johnson County Court on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Police reported that two of the three explosives they found in the home were made up of C02 and gunpowder and booby-traps he made through the hills were fishing fire (treble) lined with fishing hooks.

These “bombs” and booby traps were part of what police say they encountered after Paintsville Police Officer Nathan Collins said he was leaving his residence for work around 5:54 p.m., on Sept 3, he heard a female screaming “he’s gonna kill me” from across Ky. 40 at Staffordsville and “what sounded like a male striking her.”

The officer called Paintsville/Johnson County E-911 and went across the road to the residence and was told that Smith had fled the scene. Jackson also observed two manmade devices that appeared to be explosives, the citation said. Roberts was later apprehended.

SGT Jackson testified that Roberts’ wife reported to police that he tied her to a tree and shot arrows at her along with threats to blow her up then kill himself.

After his testimony during an interview Police SGT. Jackson said while searching for Jackson they encountered the treble with fish hooks that were eye-level.

“Obviously, you’re worried about yourself and your other officers that’s with you,” said SGT. Jackson. “Given the circumstances and totality of everything, obviously you don’t think that it is gonna end well when it’s like that.”

Roberts’ lawyer has asked for a psychiatric evaluation.

In the meantime, Judge Brent Butcher has sent the case to grand jury. He was charged with fleeing/evading police, assault 4th degree (domestic violence) minor injury, menacing, terroristic threatening 3rd degree, resisting arrest, use of weapons of mass destruction 3rd degree, giving officer false identifying information, serving parole violation warrant, assault 3rd degree-police officer, wanton endangerment 1st degree, possession of destructive device/booby trap device for allegedly having two water bottles with gasoline contents inside, with one containing a mortar with a fuse and the other containing unknown items and persistent felony offender.

It was also learned that he had parole and extradition warrants from Tennessee. Roberts remains in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.