Robert Spencer, a 35-year-old resident of Corpus Christi, has confessed to being in possession of a firearm as a felon, as announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Scheduled to face trial this week, Spencer has instead chosen to plead guilty.
The incident dates back to August 4, 2022, when authorities responded to reports of a murder in the 1800 block of Van Loan Ave. in Corpus Christi. Upon arrival, Spencer was observed in the vicinity and appeared to be armed. Upon seeing law enforcement, Spencer fled into his nearby residence, initiating an hour-long standoff.
Throughout the standoff, Spencer demanded that law enforcement vacate the area and two gunshots were heard. He eventually surrendered without a firearm, leading to his arrest.
Following a search of Spencer's residence authorized by a warrant, law enforcement uncovered six pipe bombs, four firearms, and boxes of ammunition in the attic. Spencer confessed to assembling the pipe bombs himself.
As a previously convicted felon, Spencer is prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Further investigation confirmed the pipe bombs as destructive devices, not properly registered to Spencer in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will determine Spencer's sentence on June 4, where he could face a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Spencer will remain in custody until the sentencing hearing.
The investigation was conducted by the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and John Marck prosecuting the case.
