The Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal, Fire/Arson & Explosives Investigative Bureau (FIB) has charged an Annapolis man following an extensive investigation involving the manufacturing and possession of destructive devices.
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, Ralston Lee Scott Wygal, 37, of Annapolis, has been charged with numerous violations related to destructive devices, including multiple counts of manufacturing and possessing destructive 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.
Our partnership with local, state, and federal agencies is essential in complex investigations like this case. This collaboration ensured a safe resolution in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. This is still an active investigation. If anyone has any information, please reach out via the following website: AACoFD Arson/Explosive TIPS.