Five arrested after police recover pipe bomb in Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Johnstown Police Department reported the arrest of five people following an extensive investigation in Fulton County. John Lamont, Krista Moore, Thomas Warner, Laura Seeley, and Danielle Murray (also known as Danielle Lasher), are all facing several charges.

On July 15 around 11 p.m., Johnstown Police pulled over Lamont and his passenger, Moore, in the parking lot of Summer's Best Ice Cream on Briggs Street during a traffic stop. Officers learned that Lamont, who claimed to be a Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Club member, was driving without a valid license.

During the stop, a K9 unit with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office alerted police to the presence of narcotics at the scene, leading to officers reportedly recovering over a half an ounce of meth and a homemade pipe bomb, resulting in Lamont and Moore being taken into custody. The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit responded to the area and safely disposed of the explosive device.

The ensuing investigation led to law enforcement executing search warrants at two residences: Lamont's home on North Main Street in Gloversville, and a home on Washington Street in Johnstown. Warner was arrested at the Washington Street property, and detectives reportedly located evidence indicating explosives manufacturing at Lamont's home.

Further investigative review of surveillance footage led to Murray and Seeley being identified as suspects in the operation, with the two allegedly being seen on video removing numerous items from Lamont's home. They were both taken into custody on August 19 after police executed two additional search warrants at properties on Third Street and Steel Avenue in Gloversville.

Investigators reported that two more pipe bombs, meth, and a shotgun were seized during the searches on August 19. The five defendants now face the following charges:

John Lamont

• First-degree criminal possession of a weapon - explosive
• Fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Aggravated unlicensed operation

Krista Moore

• First-degree criminal possession of a weapon - explosive
• Third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance
• Fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Thomas Warner*

• Second-degree obstructing governmental administration
• Resisting arrest

Laura Seeley

• First-degree criminal possession of a weapon - explosive
• Second-degree hindering prosecution
• Second-degree obstructing governmental administration
• Tampering with physical evidence

Danielle Murray (Lasher)*

• Second-degree hindering prosecution
• Second-degree obstructing governmental administration
• Tampering with physical evidence

*Further charges pending

Johnstown Police confirmed that there is no threat to the public as the investigation remains ongoing.