BOONE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Boone County man is facing two felony charges after deputies discovered evidence of a possible explosive device while executing a search warrant at a home in the Hewett area.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, deputies executed a search warrant on November 4, 2026, at the residence of 44-year-old Ronald D. Burgess as part of an investigation into a drug complaint.
Authorities said Burgess lived at the residence with several other individuals, including a young child.
While searching the home, deputies discovered what they believed to be evidence of the manufacturing of an explosive device.
The West Virginia State Police Bomb Squad was immediately notified and responded to the residence.
Once bomb technicians determined the scene was safe, deputies discovered additional evidence, including at least one partially constructed pipe bomb, materials potentially used to manufacture explosive devices, and writings.
According to the sheriff’s office, Burgess returned to the residence while deputies were conducting the search and was taken into custody.
Burgess was charged with child neglect creating a substantial risk of injury and illegal possession of a destructive device. Both charges are felonies.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the department.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
