Hatten charged with planning to plant a bomb

What authorities say was a plan of retribution for an alleged affair has resulted in a Scioto County couple being indicted in connection with possession of a pipe bomb.

Rick Hatten, 27, of Big Pete Road in Franklin Furnace, faces a charge of criminal possession of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapon or explosive; aggravated arson and four counts of endangering children and unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance.

His wife, Shantel Hatten, 34, of the same address has been indicted on four counts of endangering children and tampering with evidence.

The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office said Rick Hatten was in possession of a pipe bomb which deputies said was intended for a man he says his wife was having an affair with. Shantel Hatten is accused of helping to conceal a pipe bomb for her husband.

Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini said his office received information back in December 2015 that a subject was on Walmart’s parking lot with a possible pipe bomb inside of his vehicle.

After further investigation that included a call from the New Boston Police Department it was determined the subject worked at Walmart and lived in Franklin Furnace.

Detectives responded to Walmart to speak with the possible suspect about the situation.

During the investigation the suspect allowed the New Boston Police along with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office detectives to search his vehicle, nothing was inside of his vehicle. However, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the suspect’s residence located at 2089 Big Pete Road in Franklin Furnace.

Donini said his office contacted the State Fire Marshal’s Office who assisted by sending the Columbus Fire Department bomb squad along with an explosive K-9 handler and K-9 from Columbus to assist in the investigation.

Donini said during the subsequent investigation a live pipe bomb was located and properly deactivated by the bomb squad.

Detectives obtained information that Rick Hatten stated that the pipe bomb was going to be placed inside the vehicle of a man the suspect said he believed his wife had an affair with.

Man charged with planning to plant a bomb

By Frank Lewis

[email protected]

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

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