VERMONT BOMBER CONVICTED: TYLER HAYES’ EXPLOSIVE SECRET EXPOSED
A Vermont man’s twisted plot has just landed him behind bars—potentially for decades. Tyler Hayes, 42, of Bennington, has been convicted of possessing a homemade bomb after a jury trial revealed the shocking details of his underground activities.
Authorities say Hayes wasn’t just toying with fire—he was building bombs and trying to trade them for drugs. His luck ran out when he abandoned his residence in February 2023, leaving behind a deadly explosive device. The property manager stumbled upon the bomb and immediately called law enforcement, who quickly defused the threat. But the real danger had already been set in motion.
A Bombmaker on the Run
In court, witnesses painted a chilling picture of Hayes’ life—months of bomb-making, reckless talk of destruction, and a shocking willingness to swap explosives for fentanyl. When word got out that authorities had discovered his homemade weapon, Hayes reportedly confessed to others that he was “on the run.”
An explosives expert from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) testified that the device—though crude—was capable of serious devastation. The jury didn’t need much convincing. Hayes was convicted on two federal charges:
Possession of an unregistered destructive device (a violation of the National Firearms Act)
Possession of a destructive device while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance (a violation of the Gun Control Act)
Now, he faces a potential 25-year prison sentence, with Judge Joseph Laplante keeping him behind bars until sentencing.
Federal Prosecutors Speak Out
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher made it clear that this conviction was no accident, praising the tireless work of federal agents and prosecutors who brought Hayes to justice.
“The superb organization and presentation of evidence at trial demonstrated not only that Hayes was guilty of the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt, but also the extreme danger he presented to the community,” Drescher said.
The Vermont State Police bomb squad and Bennington Police Department also played a key role in taking down Hayes’ operation.
What’s Next?
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative aimed at stopping violent crime before it escalates. Federal prosecutors are sending a clear message—dangerous individuals who toy with explosives and illegal weapons will be caught, convicted, and locked away.
With Hayes awaiting sentencing, the only question that remains is: how long will he pay for his deadly ambitions?
Stay tuned—this case is far from over.