News Summary
James Steven Cleland, a 52-year-old from Kent County, faces federal charges for plotting to use Molotov Cocktails to burn businesses in Grand Rapids. Cleland, a convicted felon, is charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The case, triggered by an informant’s tip, highlights risks associated with arson and explosive devices. With the investigation ongoing, authorities emphasize community safety while addressing the challenge posed by such criminal activities.
Grand Rapids
A 52-year-old man from Kent County, James Steven Cleland, is facing serious federal charges related to firearms and explosives after allegedly plotting to burn multiple businesses in Grand Rapids using homemade Molotov Cocktails. Cleland is charged with federal possession of an unregistered firearm, a fourth-level offense, that could lead to substantial penalties if he is convicted.
The case against Cleland began when a confidential informant, who had known him for many years, reported to a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) about Cleland’s intentions to set fires at two local businesses. According to the informant, Cleland had requested assistance in obtaining Mason jars for his incendiary devices, which are designed to cause explosions and fires.
On the morning he planned to carry out the arson, the informant informed the ATF that Cleland was intending to execute his plan that very same day. The information provided by the informant included a recorded conversation with Cleland, prompting ATF agents to initiate surveillance. Observing Cleland leave his home while carrying empty glass jars and a dark cloth, agents noticed that the informant placed a red tool bag into Cleland’s vehicle trunk before they drove off together.
Lodged with the State Police, Cleland’s vehicle was stopped for operating unregistered. Cleland allowed officers to search his vehicle, during which they discovered four glass jars filled with what appeared to be gasoline inside a canvas tool bag. Each jar had a strip of cloth, which is characteristic of Molotov Cocktails. Laboratory tests later confirmed that the liquid inside the jars was indeed gasoline and ethanol, which are highly flammable substances.
At the time of his arrest, Cleland was en route to the second victim’s business but claimed he was heading to a friend’s house to burn brush piles. He was taken into custody for violating state law through “Preparation to Burn Property.” Evidence gathered throughout the investigation indicated that Cleland had a clear intent to watch fire trucks respond to the alleged arsons, further substantiating the severity of the charges against him.
Adding to the complexity of this case is Cleland’s history as a convicted felon, which legally bars him from owning firearms. He also did not register the Molotov Cocktail devices, which could compound his legal issues. If convicted of the charges, Cleland could face severe repercussions, including up to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
Additionally, the informant involved in this case has his own legal troubles, facing pending felony charges and seeking leniency in exchange for providing information about Cleland’s activities. The informant has a notable criminal background that includes offenses for larceny, escapes, and assault; however, law enforcement has corroborated the information he provided regarding Cleland’s arson plot.
This incident highlights the serious nature of arson and the potential dangers of using explosive devices like Molotov Cocktails. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to assess all angles of this case and ensure that community safety is prioritized.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: James Cleland Charges
- Western Slope Now: Man Arrested for Drugs and Firearms
- Big Rapids News: Woman Shot in Mecosta County
- MLive: Man Jailed on Christmas After Threats
- Detroit News: Westland Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery
- Wikipedia: Arson
- Google Search: Firearms and Explosives Laws
- Google Scholar: Arson Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearms
- Google News: Criminal Charges Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
