St. Petersburg police officer provided information to man who placed explosives at Tampa Hard Rock Hotel, according to law enforcement officials.

A police officer in St. Petersburg, Brandon Klaiber, aged 40, was arrested on two counts of offenses against intellectual property. This development was announced by the St. Petersburg Police Department following revelations that he allegedly provided confidential information to a suspect connected to a case involving improvised explosive devices at Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Klaiber has since been suspended without pay.

The inception of the investigation can be traced back to late 2023, when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement alerted the St. Petersburg Police Department regarding possible criminal misconduct by Klaiber. Investigators uncovered details indicating that Klaiber had shared sensitive data obtained from law enforcement databases with a suspect in an active case.

The suspect, identified as Bryan Eckley, was apprehended on October 30, 2024. He faces charges of making and placing destructive devices with intent to cause harm. Authorities reported that Eckley had installed these devices in two men’s restrooms located within the casino on the night of September 29 and the early hours of September 30. The situation escalated when a casino employee discovered the first device, prompting an immediate evacuation of the premises. The bomb squad from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly to neutralize both explosives.

According to Mark Brutnell, Special Agent in Charge of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the devices were reportedly capable of remote detonation, though specific details regarding their construction remain undisclosed. Investigators continue to probe Eckley’s motivations for placing the devices, which were described in an arrest warrant as including components that posed a serious risk of bodily injury had they detonated.

Further investigation revealed text communications between Eckley and Klaiber, suggesting Klaiber provided Eckley with sensitive information upon request. Notably, the release from the police department did not clarify the nature of the information shared or the history between the two men.

Klaiber, who has been employed by the St. Petersburg Police Department since 2008, has been placed on unpaid leave since December 3, 2023, as the investigation ensues. The department’s Office of Professional Standards is also conducting an internal review of the incident.

The charge against Klaiber is classified as a third-degree felony, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years. Meanwhile, Eckley, a roofing company owner, was released from Hillsborough County jail on April 8, having posted bail set at 0,000. His case is still ongoing, with further developments anticipated.

This case underscores critical concerns regarding the misuse of confidential police information and the potential implications for public safety, especially in relation to explosive threats.

Media News Source outlines this situation as it unfolds, emphasizing the importance of rigorous oversight within law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust and safety.