Man Charged with Having Bomb

The Mount Pleasant man at the center of has been charged with possessing a working, homemade explosive device, according to court records.

Zachary Fasola, 24, is charged with possession of a destructive device, specifically a bomb, according to court records. He posted a $500,000 bond and was released today.

Neighbors in the Beaumont townhomes off Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant were asked to

Bomb technicians apparently found a tube, 4 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, with a 5-inch fuse protruding from one end, according to a sheriff's department statement. The tube was sealed and contained ball bearings and a dark powdery substance.

"It was in fact a functioning destructive device," said Major James Brady.

Deputies tested the powdery substance and it ignited, according to a court affidavit. A throng of local law enforcement and the Mount Pleasant Fire Department were on hand for the investigation. The FBI asked for their assistance, Brady said.

"Members of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Metro Bomb Squad responded to 1108 Monaco Drive, Mount Pleasant, at the request of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in reference to finding an explosive device located within the residence," Brady said.

The FBI discovered the device while conducted an unspecified "federal investigation," according to the affidavit. Fasola is due back in court on April 19 for a preliminary hearing, court records state.