Massachusetts man pleads guilty to illegal plutonium sales

Jacob D. Miller, a 44-year-old Massachusetts man, has pleaded guilty to several federal charges, including the illegal importation of nuclear material from Russia. Prosecutors stated that Miller imported plutonium and sold it, along with highly toxic thallium, to 67 customers located both within the United States and abroad.

Miller operated through a business named ‘Collect The Periodic Table’ and utilized the third-party retailer Bonanza to facilitate sales. He used the U.S. Postal Service to mail the plutonium, despite legal prohibitions against transporting such materials through the mail.

In addition to the nuclear and hazardous material charges, Miller pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition and explosive materials, as well as possession of child sexual abuse material. Authorities noted that Miller had a history of unlawful interest in explosives and dangerous substances dating back to at least 2002. A search of his South Hadley residence uncovered rifles, explosive powder, and ammunition, all of which were illegal to possess due to his status as a convicted felon.