BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A San Antonio man named Dustin Jay Ammons, who is 44 years old, has recently pleaded guilty to serious federal charges. These charges involve his attempts to blow up ATMs and his illegal possession of firearms, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Ammons admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to illegally transporting explosive materials without a license. This plea came after an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which revealed that he tried to use pipe bombs to explode ATMs at two banks in San Antonio back in September 2025.
Fortunately, both of Ammons’ attempts were unsuccessful, and no one was harmed. However, federal agents conducted a raid on his home in December 2025 and found a stash of weapons, including guns, magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. They even discovered a pipe bomb in his vehicle, indicating the seriousness of his actions.
The explosives found were made with a substance called Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, which is known to be extremely dangerous. According to the National Library of Medicine, this material is classified as a highly explosive compound, raising further concerns about Ammons’ intentions.
It’s important to note that the weapons discovered at Ammons’ residence were not registered in his name. Additionally, he did not have any permits or licenses that would allow him to possess, manufacture, or transport explosive materials legally. This lack of authorization highlights the serious nature of his crimes.
Ammons has a history of criminal behavior, having been convicted of similar felonies in the past. These include possession of a stolen firearm, possession of burglary tools, and multiple counts of theft and burglary of buildings. His extensive criminal record has likely influenced the charges he faces now.
Because of his actions, Ammons could face significant prison time. He is looking at a maximum of 15 years for the firearm possession charge and up to 10 years for the illegal transport of explosive materials. The consequences of his decisions serve as a reminder of the serious legal repercussions that can follow unlawful behavior.
