Versailles man pleads guilty to possessing explosive devices, guns at UK Hospital in 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. — In a significant legal development, Bryan T. Carroll, 46, of Versailles, entered a guilty plea on Monday to federal charges of possessing explosive devices and guns at the University of Kentucky Hospital in 2021. The plea agreement, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Central Division, Lexington, detailed Carroll’s admission to multiple federal offenses.

Carroll, who faced felony charges including possession of firearms by a convicted felon and carrying explosives during the commission of a felony, acknowledged his guilt in the comprehensive plea agreement. The document outlined Carroll’s admission to possessing an unregistered firearm and carrying an explosive device, specifically when he was apprehended at the University of Kentucky Hospital by campus police.

According to the plea agreement, Carroll was initially stopped by the University of Kentucky Police, leading to the discovery of firearms and explosives in his possession and vehicle. This incident raised immediate concerns due to its proximity to the hospital and the potential risk it posed to public safety.

Additional firearms and explosive materials, including improvised explosive bombs and a large quantity of triacetone peroxide (TATP), a highly volatile substance, were discovered at Carroll’s residence. These findings underscored the seriousness of the charges against him.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Carroll admitted to the possession of firearms, acknowledging his status as a convicted felon, thereby prohibited from possessing such weapons. He also confessed to possessing explosives, a critical element in the charges against him.

The statutory punishments for the offenses are severe, with the plea agreement outlining potential imprisonment of up to ten years on each charge.