Two Arrested After 438 lbs of Explosives Stolen from Louisville Job Site

A townhouse complex is being built on the site where the explosives were kept in a locked area

test — Photo courtesy of WHAS11

Two people have been arrested in connection with the theft of 438 pounds of explosives from a construction job site in south Louisville.

Two people have been arrested in Louisville, Ky., for allegedly stealing 438 lbs of explosive materials from a construction site where land is being cleared for a 110-unit townhouse project to be built on the city’s south side.

James Culver, 44, and Lasierra Chesher, 39, both of Louisville, have each been charged with theft of an explosive material and possession of explosive material by a prohibited person.

In an April 3 complaint, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Kentucky, alleges that on or about March 31 they stole 12 sticks of Orica Power Pro, 89 sticks of Orica Senatel Ultrex and six 50-lb bags of Orica Amex-WR ANFO from a locked explosives storage area at the construction site.

The complaint alleges that Culver and Chesher drove to the construction site on March 31 where Culver allegedly broke the locks and the two stole the explosives, stored them at another person’s house and returned home, the attorney’s office says.

Workers informed authorities of the missing explosives on April 1. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives immediately offered an award of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft, generating a tip that resulted in the arrests.

Both Culver and Chester allegedly fled when law enforcement approached their residence. Both were apprehended and Culver admitted to his involvement in the theft, a press release states. The agemcy recovered a .22-caliber rifle along with various caliber ammunition, a shockwave exploding target and multiple explosive labels and instructional materials from the residence.

“This theft created a serious and unnecessary danger to the public," said Special Agent John Nokes in a press release. "As a result, the [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Louisville Metro Police Dept.] made this investigation a top priority, working in close coordination to ensure the safe recovery of all explosive materials and the swift apprehension of those responsible.”

Culver is also charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

No motive for the theft has yet been revealed.

A record provided by the city shows that a zoning change from single-family residential to multi-family residential was approved by the plan commission in 2023 for the property where townhomes, a clubhouse and pool are planned in 16 two-story buildings on the west side of Old Bardstown Road.

According to Dodge Construction Network, the civil engineer for the project is Land Design & Development Inc. of Louisville and the project's valuation is between $15 million and $24.9 million.