Bomb scare suspect, former student indicted

Staff Reports

A Roosevelt County grand jury indicted a former Eastern New Mexico University student Wednesday on charges related to a recent bomb scare, according to 9th Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler.

Joshua Gilpin, 28, was indicted on charges of possession of an explosive incendiary device, possession of marijuana, larceny and tampering with evidence.

Gilpin’s sister, Emily Gilpin, said she was told by Roosevelt County officials her brother had a lawyer, but was not told a name of the attorney.

The state’s public defender department for the 9th Judicial District declined to identify Gilpin’s attorney.

Gilpin was arrested Nov. 2 hours after school officials evacuated an ENMU science building and recovered chemicals that — if combined — could be used to build an explosive device. Police believe Gilpin stole the chemicals and later returned them to the lab.

A day before his arrest in connection with the bomb scare, police discovered two marijuana plants in Gilpin’s residence at 321 Juniper St. while conducting a welfare check. Police also seized a rifle, the police report said.

Emily Gilpin maintained that her brother is innocent.

Gilpin’s arraignment, pre-trial and trial dates have not been set, Chandler said.