White Plains Man Charged After Over Two Dozen Explosive Devices Found in Apartment

Authorities in White Plains, New York discovered more than two dozen improvised explosive devices in an apartment early Monday, following reports of loud explosions in the suburban neighborhood, according to federal prosecutors.

Raymond Elders, 65, was arrested after officers responded to multiple calls from neighbors who reported hearing booming noises over several weeks. When police entered Elders' residence, they found him with "blueish black chemical residue" on his hands and holding a lighter, as detailed in a criminal complaint. An "acrid, burning odor" was detected by officers, and a device believed to be a pipe bomb was spotted outside the building, authorities said.

Inside the apartment, a search led to the recovery of at least 25 improvised explosive devices. Elders faces several federal charges, including use of a weapon of mass destruction, manufacturing destructive devices, and illegal possession of explosives following prior felony convictions.

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows an individual believed to be Elders holding what appears to be an explosive device and igniting it before throwing it into the street earlier this month. Seconds later, an explosion is heard on the video, according to the complaint.

Elders made his first court appearance on Tuesday, where a judge ordered he remain in custody, citing flight risk and community danger concerns. Legal counsel for Elders did not immediately offer public comment. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review evidence and neighborhood surveillance video.