An investigation conducted by the Atlantic City Police Department’s Special Investigations Section with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Joint Terrorism Task Force and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office resulted in the arrest of two individuals.
On October 5, 2017, the Atlantic City Police Department became aware that Danielle Demers, aka Daniel Smith, was attempting to sell a high-powered rifle, ammunition, and five pipe bombs. An immediate investigation began and an operation was put in place to retrieve the items and arrest Demers.
During the course of the investigation, a Savage .30-06 rifle with a scope, more than 300 rounds of .30-06 ammunition, and the materials needed to make five pipe bombs were recovered. Through the investigation, it was learned that Demers provided instructions on how to assemble a pipe bomb and noted that they should be filled with nails to act as shrapnel. Demers was arrested after leaving her apartment by members of the Atlantic City Police Department SWAT Team. Members of the Atlantic City Police Department Bomb Squad recovered the pipe bomb materials.
Detectives also arrested Nina House after she had conspired with Demers to sell the items. House also had an active warrant for her arrest from Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
The Atlantic City Police Department Special Investigations Section has been working closely with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, and New Jersey Office of Homeland Security in furtherance of this investigation.
“We take every threat seriously. The safety and security of the people of New Jersey is our top priority and we work hand-in-hand with the Atlantic City Police Department and all our Federal, State, and Local law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. In that light, we urge the public to report any and all suspicious activity to the FBI or any of our partners,” stated Timothy Gallagher, special agent in charge of the Newark FBI Field Office.
“I applaud the efforts of the Atlantic City Police Department and our partner agencies that assisted with the arrests and confiscation of the weapons and ammunition,” said Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner. “This incident once again highlights the importance of the public’s role in reporting suspicious activity.”
“I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their immediate cooperation with this investigation. The swift action that was taken to remove these dangerous and potentially deadly weapons and individuals from our streets is a testament to the relationships that we have developed with these agencies,” said Chief Henry White Jr. “We value the great responsibility to keep our residents and visitors safe while in Atlantic City, and we continue to strive to protect them from individuals like this.”
ARRESTED: Danielle Demers, aka Daniel Smith, a 37-year-old from Atlantic City.
CHARGES: Unlawful possession of a destructive device, possession of a destructive device for an unlawful purpose, possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose, unlawful sale of a firearm, unlawfully teach another to use an explosive, and conspiracy.
ARRESTED: Nina House, a 31-year-old female from Margate, New Jersey.
CHARGES: Unlawful possession of a destructive device, possession of a destructive device for an unlawful purpose, possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose, unlawful sale of a firearm, unlawfully teach another to use an explosive, and conspiracy.