Idaho man sentenced to 25 years for making meth, explosives in Williston apartment

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - A Pocatello, Idaho man will serve 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to making bombs and methamphetamine in Williston.

Ross Petrie was charged with several counts of possessing and manufacturing drugs and bombs in 2022. Police said they found nearly 1,500 pounds of explosives and multiple meth labs inside his apartment. Bomb squads from across the state were called in to safely detonate the bombs.

Williams County Assistant States Attorney Nathan Madden took several hours to explain to the court that Petrie possessed documents on how to build explosives and manufacture meth. Madden also said Petrie made many violent comments against officials and law enforcement. Madden also warned that the amount of explosives could have wiped out the entire apartment complex where Petrie lived.

Ty Skarda, Petrie’s attorney, downplayed these threats. He said Petrie was high on drugs and had no malicious intent. Skarda also called Petrie an amateur chemist who wanted to make meth for himself. As for the bombs, Skarda and Petrie claimed they were homemade Italian-style fireworks.

Petrie apologized to his neighbors and thanked law enforcement for stopping him before something catastrophic happened.

Northwest District Court Judge Kirsten Sjue told Petrie he deserved a lengthy sentence because of the extreme risk of harm the explosives posed for the residents.

No restitution was ordered in the case.