For Immediate Release: March 4, 2004
Late Thursday, at approximately 6:45 deputies with the Hall County Sheriff's Office responded to the 4200 block of Cleveland Highway (Hwy 129) to a report of a possible explosive devise.
Upon their arrival they found a small homemade device that included a small battery and a small metal sleeve in a wooded area several hundred yards off the road.
Deputies cordoned off a 1000-yard perimeter and requested the GBI Bomb Squad to respond to the scene to inspect the device.
Bomb technicians classified the device as dangerous and where able to safely disable and destroy the device.
Hall County Sheriff's Office investigators have arrested 44 year old, Robert C. Phillips, of Gainesville and charged him with manufacturing a destructive devise.
If convicted Mr. Phillips faces a possible sentence of not less than 3 years nor more than 20 years or, by a fine of not more than $25,000.00 or both.
As a result of the incident, 3 homes where evacuated for approximately 4 hours for precautionary measures.
Mr. Phillips is being held at the Hall County Detention Center without bond pending a first appearance hearing.
The Incident is still under investigation by the Hall County Sheriff's Office and the GBI.
1st Lieutenant Jeff Strickland
Uniform Patrol Division
Hall County Sheriff's Office