A 31-year-old man from Norman has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possessing an illegal Molotov cocktail, according to U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The case began on October 1, 2024, when a federal Grand Jury charged Tin Rixt Brens, 3, 1with possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Court records reveal that on May 16, 2024, the Norman Fire Department responded to a grass fire that had partially damaged a towing and recovery business. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters discovered evidence suggesting the fire was ignited by a Molotov cocktail.
Surveillance footage from a nearby business showed an individual arriving in a black sports car, exiting the vehicle, and throwing a Molotov cocktail at the building before speeding away.
Authorities traced the car to the suspect, later learning he had a vehicle recently towed by the affected business. Investigators found Brens was upset over the retrieval fees and that the towing company had sold his vehicle.
On November 26, 2024, Brens pleaded guilty to possessing the illegal device. At today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell handed down an 18-month prison term followed by three years of supervised release.
Judge Russell described the act as dangerous, noting it could have caused far greater harm. He stressed the importance of deterring similar crimes and upholding respect for the law.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Norman Fire Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Daniel Gridley leading the prosecution.
