PORTLAND, Maine — An Alfred man who lost part of his finger when a homemade bomb exploded has pleaded guilty to federal charges that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Robert Infante pleaded guilty Thursday to possession of unregistered destructive devices, possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon and two drug-related charges.
His bomb-making activities came to light on June 25, 2010, when a pipe bomb exploded in his basement. He dialed 911 to report that a propane tank exploded before driving himself to a hospital emergency room. Firefighters went to his home and found pipe bombs and marijuana; more pipe bombs were found in the trunk of his car.
No sentencing date was set. Infante was convicted of similar offenses in Vermont in 1988.