According to the criminal complaint filed in Sherburne County, a Sherburne County deputy was driving near 206th Street and 221st Avenue on the night of Oct. 21 when a “loud concussive boom and bright flash of light” erupted from a Challenger vehicle just ahead of the officer’s squad car. With no other vehicles nearby, the deputy determined the explosion came from the car in front of him and he proceeded to pull the vehicle over.

When stopped, The deputy said the driver, Jantje C. Rorman, allegedly admitted he and his nephew, Ethan Richard Roman, had been throwing fireworks. Both suspects had metallic residue on their hands, consistent with explosive materials. A search of the vehicle revealed bags containing a mixture of gunpowder and aluminum powder, a propane torch, and a methamphetamine pipe.

Both men were arrested. Investigators said Ethan admitted to assisting in making explosives and using methamphetamine with the driver.

After being advised of his rights, Ethan told investigators the two had been experimenting with explosive mixtures earlier that day in Jantje’s garage. He admitted to assisting in the manufacture of explosives and described the creation of an improvised explosive device (IED). He indicated that the driver exchanged explosive devices for methamphetamine with a dealer. 

A subsequent search of the driver’s residence uncovered additional explosive materials, firearms, and various controlled substances, including 16 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.

In the basement, deputies found a bolt-action shotgun loaded with two shells in the magazine and one in the chamber. Its barrel had been sawed off to nine inches and was easily accessible to a minor living in the home. That discovery led to a gross-misdemeanor charge for negligent firearm storage.

Federal prosecutors charged both men with possessing an unregistered destructive device, and Jantje faces an additional federal count for possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun.

In Sherburne County District Court, Jantje is charged with possession or manufacture of an explosive or incendiary device (maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment or a $20,000 fine), possession of explosives with intent (5 years, $10,000 fine), fifth-degree drug possession involving psilocybin mushrooms (5 years, $10,000 fine), possession of a short-barreled shotgun (5 years, $10,000 fine) and negligent firearm storage (364 days, $3,000 fine).

Ethan faces three felony counts: possession or manufacture of an explosive or incendiary device (10 years, $20,000 fine), possession of explosives with intent (5 years, $10,000 fine) and fifth-degree drug possession involving methamphetamine (5 years, $10,000 fine).

Both remain in custody as state and federal proceedings move forward.