A man accused of trying to set off an explosion at a Jewish senior facility in Longmeadow was indicted yesterday.
Thirty-six year old John Rathbun is charged with transporting an explosive with the intent to kill or injure after an incendiary device was found outside of the Ruth's House assisted living facility in April.
According to the indictment, on the morning of April 2, 2020, police discovered a homemade incendiary device next to the driveway entrance – and within feet of a widely used pedestrian walkway – to Jewish Geriatric Services Lifecare, Inc. (“JGS”), a nonprofit organization in Longmeadow, Mass. whose mission is to provide health, education, and social services guided by Jewish traditions and values. The device consisted of a 5-gallon Scepter fuel canister, approximately one-third filled with gasoline, and a partially charred Christian religious pamphlet placed in the nozzle of the canister.
Federal officials say Rathbun was identified by DNA that was left at the scene.
Rathbun is facing more than ten years in prison if he is convicted.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak, WHYN News)