Kentucky State Police Charge Two Men with Illegal Explosives

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (April 2, 2025) – On Monday, March 31, a traffic stop was conducted on Anderson Crossing Drive in Anderson County for several traffic violations.  During the stop, the trooper identified the driver, Ronald Coffman, 41, from Mercer County and the passenger, Zebadiah Murphy, 36, from Anderson County.   During the traffic stop, consent was given to search the vehicle and illegal narcotics were found, as well as two improvised explosive devices, ”IEDs,” in the rear floorboard.  Mr. Coffman told the trooper searching that the explosive devices contained black powder and lead pellets.  At that time, a perimeter was established, and a hazardous device unit was contacted to respond to the scene and safely remove the devices from the vehicle. 

After gathering information from the traffic stop, a search warrant was obtained for Mr. Murphy’s residence in the area of Hammonds Creek Road in Anderson County.  During the search of the property, two additional IEDs were located, along with items needed to manufacture the IEDs.  Also located were several firearms, improvised firearm suppressors and restricted ammunition.  Zebadiah Murphy and Ronald Coffman were both arrested and lodged in the Franklin County Detention Center. 

The Kentucky State Police was assisted on the scene by the Lawrenceburg Police Department and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives “ATF”.

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