Buel DeWayne Smiley, 63, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence was handed down in a San Antonio federal court.

Court documents revealed that Smiley came under FBI scrutiny due to his online activities expressing anti-government and pro-white sentiments. Reports indicated that he urged others to engage in acts of violence against infrastructure. Smiley's social media posts also featured images of him brandishing firearms. The FBI, noting his previous felony conviction, observed Smiley with a gun matching those seen in the posts on his property.

FBI agents apprehended Smiley on March 9. Subsequent searches of his residence uncovered loaded firearms, ammunition, instructional materials on making improvised explosives, lab equipment, handwritten notes discussing experiments with homemade explosives, and chemical precursors for explosives.

Smiley entered a guilty plea to the felon in possession of a firearm charge on August 15. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "This is a great example of ‘If you see something, say something.’" Esparza commended the concerned community member whose report prompted the FBI investigation.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson of the FBI San Antonio Division remarked, “Buel Smiley not only made threats to attack critical infrastructure, he had the materials and instructions to follow through. This sentence ensures that he won’t have the opportunity to follow through with his threats to endanger our communities.” Olson thanked the Medina County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the case.

The FBI conducted the investigation leading to Smiley's sentencing.