Former Clinton man pleads to threatening police with explosive
Feb. 7—A former Clinton man accused of threatening police with an explosive when they came to his residence in April has pleaded guilty.
Sean Lee Crank, 46, who now resides in Fort Madison, entered the plea in Clinton County District Court on Thursday, Feb. 8, to Class D felony assault on persons in certain occupations (dangerous weapon) as a habitual offender.
At the time of his arrest, he had already been convicted of two prior felonies — third-degree burglary in Scott County in March 2022 and possession of a firearm as a felon in Lee County in September 2022.
He acknowledged in his plea that imprisonment for the forcible felony is mandatory and that the plea is part of an agreement with prosecution.
His attorney filed notice in July that they were going to use the defense of diminished responsibility.
According to criminal complaints, at about 3 p.m., April 10, Clinton Police went to 634 S 18th St., Clinton, to find Crank for whom two arrest warrants had been issued. The property owner tried to get Crank to go outside to meet with the officers, but he refused. The owner then let the officers enter to get Crank, who was in the basement holding a cylindrical object with a fuse sticking out of the top.
The complaints say Crank told officers if they came any closer that he would light the device, which he said contained C4 explosive and ball bearings. He had a lighter in the other hand. Officers reported that they were in fear for their lives, but Crank ultimately was arrested.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal office, which determined the device contained fireworks, an unknown putty and metal balls inside, rendered it safe, the complaints say.
Officers reported finding a bag next to Crank with his last name written on it that contained two containers of incendiary black powder.
Officers reported that Crank admitted to making the device and said he was scared and assumed law enforcement would be coming to look for him in the future.
He was transported to the Clinton County Jail.
