Fort Smith explosives expert captured; in custody in TX

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A Fort Smith man who’s house was raided Jan. 31 has been arrested without incident in Austin, Tx.According to FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan, 31-year-old Neil Ravi Mehta was arrested Monday night by agents from the FBI Austin Resident Agency. The investigation remains ongoing, therefore additional details were not released.

On Jan. 31, FBI Little Rock and ATF New Orleans agents executed a federal search warrant at Mehta’s residence in Fort Smith. During the court-authorized operation, investigators located multiple explosive devices inside the residence. The explosives were rendered safe by federal agents.

FBI Little Rock states they are grateful for the exceptional work performed by the FBI Austin RA as well as partners at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, IRS Criminal Investigations, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and the Fort Smith Police Department.

Additionally, they state they are indebted to all the state and local police agencies who provided incredible support for this case across the nation and are thankful for the numerous community members and media partners who assisted with this case.

For questions regarding Mr. Mehta’s federal charges, contact the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas.

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