The Sconi

A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 29 months in federal prison for possessing chemicals that could be used to produce chlorine gas, a substance classified as a chemical weapon when not intended for peaceful purposes. James Morgan, who previously went by the name Karactus Blome, received his sentence on August 1, 2025, from United States District Judge Brett Ludwig.

Morgan pleaded guilty to one count of possession of chemical weapon precursors under Title 18, United States Code, Section 229(a). According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Morgan’s storage unit on December 21, 2023. Agents found chemicals that could be combined to create chlorine gas. Investigators learned that Morgan had studied chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and described himself as a weapon designer.

Evidence presented in court included videos and messages where Morgan discussed making large amounts of chlorine quickly. In communications from 2022 and 2023, he referred to the chemicals as “scary” and talked about their potential use against government agents if they came for his firearms. The FBI Laboratory confirmed that the substances could produce enough chlorine gas to cause rapid and serious health effects or death.

During sentencing, Judge Ludwig highlighted the dangerous nature of chlorine gas and noted that Morgan knowingly possessed chemicals capable of causing harm to law enforcement officers. The judge also emphasized deterrence for others who might consider similar actions.

“The defendant’s conduct posed a serious risk to others and the community as a whole,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard G. Frohling. “This individual spent substantial time discussing and constructing weapons and expressing opposition to law enforcement and individuals whose race, ethnic origin, or backgrounds differed from his. I commend the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved in seeking to hold him accountable for his criminal activity.”

FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle stated: “Mr. Morgan obtained commercially available chemicals with an intent to manufacture chemical weapons which could have had a devastating impact to citizens and law enforcement officers in Wisconsin,” adding that “Morgan is already serving a two-year sentence for possessing destructive devices. The Milwaukee Field Office of the FBI will continue to work aggressively with our partners to prevent the acquisition and use of weapons of mass destruction."

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.