By By LISA TINDELL – News reporter
Gregory Wendall Nichols, who police suspect of possession of pipe bombs, was released from the Escambia County Detention Center on a $100,00 bond Monday, but a hearing on federal charges against him was cancelled Thursday.
Nichols was arrested July 5 in Flomaton and charged with a federal offense of possession of an unregistered explosive device after officers discovered five pipe bombs in his vehicle. He was also charged with state violations of manufacturing an explosive device and other charges.
According to Mike Messenger, an agent with the Alabama Department of Tobacco and Firearms, Nichols was scheduled to appear in District Court on Thursday to determine detention status on the federal charges.
Nichols, 45, of 261 Powell Circle in Flomaton, faced a federal court judge on charges of possession of an unregistered explosive device.
Following the hearing, Nichols was released on his own recognizance on Thursday afternoon, July 6.
Flomaton Police, the Escambia County Sheriff's Department and the 21st Judicial Task Force worked quickly to bring Nichols back into custody on Friday, July 7, to be detained on the state class C felony charges.
The charge listed on the arrest record was for unlawful possession of explosives.
Messenger said Nichols gave consent to search his residence on Powell Circle in Flomaton.
Messenger said components for making the pipe bombs - also known as &#8220crickets” - were found at Nichols' residents, as were firearms.
Although more than 20 firearms were found at Nichols's house, no charges were filed in connection with possession of the weapons, Flomaton Police Chief Mike Lambert said.