A Gaithersburg man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after authorities investigating an explosion at his home discovered a pipe bomb, an additional live explosive device and multiple unserialized firearms, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
On Monday, Aug. 10, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Bradford McCullough sentenced 43-year-old Robert Stojinski Jr. to 54 years in prison, suspending all but 25 years. Stojinski will also serve five years of supervised probation following his release.
Stojinski pleaded guilty April 16 to possession of explosive material with intent to create a destructive device, manufacturing a destructive device and two counts of possession of a firearm without a serial number.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and Montgomery County Police responded to Stojinski’s residence in the 24000 block of Empress Court in Gaithersburg on Oct. 25, 2025, following a reported explosion.
Investigators determined the explosion involved an improvised explosive device later identified as a pipe bomb. According to prosecutors, Stojinski told investigators he placed fireworks inside a metal tube and used an electric initiator before striking the device with a hammer, causing it to explode. He suffered shrapnel injuries to his hand and eye.
During a search of the residence, investigators recovered additional explosive components, including a second device determined to be a live improvised explosive device. Authorities also recovered multiple privately made firearms and firearm components without serial numbers, commonly referred to as ghost guns.
“In addition to manufacturing explosives and possessing ghost guns, this individual had a history of threatening to do violence,” State’s Attorney John McCarthy said. “We are thankful that the judge has issued a lengthy prison sentence, during which the defendant will not be able to pose a danger to public safety.”
The investigation involved MCFRS, Montgomery County Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. Assistant State’s Attorney Hannah Gleason prosecuted the case.
