FBI agents make arrest for illegal explosives

WASILLA -- FBI agents arrested a Wasilla man Wednesday on charges of improperly shipping hazardous materials. Krister Evertson, 50, reportedly sold and mailed approximately 41 pounds of sodium metals that produce violent explosions when exposed to water or humidity. According to a release from the Anchorage Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, these events took place over a nine-month period when Evertson sold the explosive substances through the internet auction site, eBay.

The arrest took place in a normally quiet neighborhood on North Eureka Circle, just off Seldon Road in Wasilla.

One resident, who requested to remain anonymous, said she was outside her house, loading her motor home when she heard a loud voice and looked over in the street to see officers surround a car at gunpoint and remove a man from his car.

"The FBI were outside by our mail boxes with their guns drawn, just like in the movies," the woman said. Officers told other nearby neighbors to stay inside their homes.

According to the FBI release, Special Agent Thomas McClenaghan advised that the arrest took place without incident. The street, however, was full of undercover vehicles, police cars, FBI agents and other officers.

Eleven different agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Department of Transportation, Anchorage Police, State Troopers and the U.S. Marshals office. Other agencies included the Anchorage Airport Police, Alaska National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team, Wasilla Fire Department and the U.S. Postal inspection Service. The Alaska Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also provided assistance.

Evertson allegedly shipped various quantities of sodium metals, via commercial mail services, without the proper labeling or packaging as required by federal statute. Improper packaging and sending sodium metals through the airlines could cause a catastrophic incident on board.

If convicted, Evertson faces a possible five years in prison and a fine of $25,000 for each violation of Title 49 (shipping hazardous materials in interstate commerce). Evertson is charged with four violations of Title 49 and is being held at the Anchorage City Jail, awaiting his initial appearance in court.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.