AACoFD News Release - September 2, 2026
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACoFD) Office of the Fire Marshal, Fire/Arson & Explosives Investigative Bureau (FIB), has made a second arrest in connection with the ongoing April 14, 2026, investigation into the manufacture and possession of destructive devices.
The investigation began in April of this year after AACoFD and FIB Investigators served a search and seizure warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of Blackwalnut Lane, Annapolis. That investigation resulted in the arrest of Lee Ralston and the recovery of multiple destructive devices (See previous AACoFD -News Release Below).
As the investigation continued, FIB Investigators identified Micah Y. Sam, 51, of Brandywine, a former Prince George's County Sheriff's Officer K-9 handler, as an additional suspect. Investigators developed evidence alleging that Mr. Sam provided Mr. Ralston with explosive materials, as well as information and technical guidance related to the construction of destructive devices.
FIB Investigators subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Sam, charging him with:
- 2 Counts of possession of explosive material with the intent to create a destructive device
- 1 Count of conspiracy to manufacture a destructive device.
Mr. Sam was arrested today in Prince George's County and taken into custody without incident. The arrest warrant was served by Anne Arundel County Police in coordination with the AACoFD FIB Unit.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact AACoFD, Fire Marshal Tip Line - 410-222-TIPS (8477)
AACoFD News Release - April 14, 2026
On April 14, 2026, investigators with the AACoFD, Fire/Arson and Explosives Investigative Bureau (FIB), in coordination with ATF, FBI, AACoPD and the Annapolis Fire Department, Fire & Explosives Service Unit, executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of Blackwalnut Lane in Annapolis.
As a result of the investigation, Lee Scott Wygal Ralston, 37, of Annapolis, has been charged with numerous violations involving destructive devices, including multiple counts of manufacturing and possessing such devices.
AACoFD, FIB Investigators recovered a significant number of suspected explosive devices and related materials from Wygal's residence. The devices varied in size and composition. Additionally, investigators recovered materials consistent with the construction of such devices.
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Fire/Arson & Explosives Investigative Bureau, charged Wygal with the following:
- 32 felony counts of Manufacturing a destructive device.
- 32 felony counts of Possession of a destructive device.
This case highlights the critical work of the AACo Fire Department's Fire/Arson and Explosives Investigators in identifying and mitigating serious threats to the county.
The subsequent investigation and charges by the AACo Fire/Arson and Explosives Investigative Bureau resulted from a Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) search-and-seizure warrant and an investigation into numerous instances of illegal deer hunting, both at night and from the roadway.
In addition to the incendiary devices seized by the AACo Fire Marshal, NRP also seized numerous weapons, suppressors, and ammunition. Criminal and natural resources charges are pending at this time from the Natural Resources Police.