Long Island man sentenced to 9 years in prison for planning to bomb a social services building.
A Long Island man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following his conviction for attempting to bomb a Nassau County social services building. This act stemmed from a personal crisis after he lost custody of his children, according to law enforcement officials.
James Luca, a 47-year-old resident of North Merrick, faced serious charges, including terrorism. However, he pleaded guilty in June to felony first-degree weapons possession and obstructing government operations through the use of an explosive device. This plea was confirmed by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office in an official announcement.
District Attorney Anne Donnelly assessed Luca’s actions as deeply troubling, emphasizing that his reckless decisions instigated fear within the Department of Social Services and created an atmosphere of terror among public servants in the area. She asserted that his behavior justifies significant confinement.
In the context of a turbulent divorce from his ex-wife, Luca exhibited erratic behavior, engaging in multiple criminal activities. Notably, in February 2023, he placed a small explosive in her vehicle, damaging it and shattering the windshield. Following the loss of his visitation rights with his children, Luca, along with an accomplice, 26-year-old Jayson Reyes, planned a more dangerous assault.
On September 17, 2024, the duo drove to the Nassau County Department of Social Services facility carrying an improvised explosive device. While Reyes maintained a lookout, Luca strategically placed a 20-gallon propane tank at the entrance of the building, adorned with a torch on top. His actions escalated as he attempted to ignite the device by throwing lit flares at it. However, all his attempts failed, as the device did not detonate.
Ultimately, swift action by law enforcement led to the evacuation of the building, preventing any injuries or collateral damage. This incident underscores not only the potential dangers posed by individuals in distress but also the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to maintain public safety in precarious situations. As the community reflects on this case, it serves as a cautionary tale regarding the effects of personal trauma and the extremes to which individuals may go when faced with emotional turmoil.
Media News Source encourages continued awareness and vigilance as communities navigate the complexities of mental health and public safety issues.
