- April 24, 2026
Jason Burns, who was arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in May 2024 following a two-year joint investigation led by the FCSO Homeland Security and Investigation Section with assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad after he exploded a homemade pipe bomb outside a Palm Coast residence, has been convicted and sentenced.
On April 21, Burns, 51, of Palm Coast, pleaded no contest to the charges of first-degree arson of a dwelling and discharge of a destructive device causing property damage. Following Burns’ plea agreement, Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols adjudicated him guilty and sentenced him to five years in state prison, minus 700 days for the time he was held in county jail pending the outcome of his case. After his prison sentence, Burns will serve 15 years’ probation.
“This guy had a dispute with his neighbor and decided to harass and menace them by making and exploding a homemade IED,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our Homeland Security and Investigation Section detectives conducted a very thorough investigation and built a strong case. We thank our partners from federal, state, and local agencies for their help in investigating this case.”
Burns was turned over to Florida Department of Corrections custody on April 23, where he will serve his prison sentence.
