A man accused of possessing two “explosive devices” in the trunk of a vehicle in the Mirror Lakes subdivision was arraigned Monday morning and assigned an attorney.
As of noon Monday, court documents were not yet available to shed additional light on the incident, although a separate case file indicates the man accused was previously admitted to a facility for psychiatric treatment.
Adam Thomas Helms, 30, appeared in the Williamsburg-James City County General District Court via video conference Monday morning for an arraignment, Clerk of General District Court Karen Snyder said.
Helms was taken into custody Friday after police found two “devices” in the trunk of a car in the Mirror Lakes subdivision. The Bomb Disposal Unit from the Newport News Fire Department disarmed both of the devices without incident, authorities said.
Helms’ home address is in the 200 block of Loch Haven Drive in Williamsburg, which is in the Mirror Lakes neighborhood.
Officials have not said whether the vehicle containing the devices belongs to Helms, or if the vehicle was found near his residence.
Helms is charged with manufacturing, possessing or using fire bombs or explosive materials or devices.
Jail records also show Helms is charged with possession of a firearm by a person who has been previously involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.
He was booked at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail at 6:22 p.m. Friday.
Fire Marshal Kenny Driscoll was not immediately available by phone Monday morning. It remains unclear why Helms’ identity was not released when he was booked at the jail Friday evening.
Public court documents relating to Helms’ Friday arrest were not immediately available Monday morning, although the case file was at the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse.
WYDaily spoke to Helms’ court-appointed attorney, Gordon Klugh at the courthouse.
Klugh said he has not yet spoken with his client because he walked out of the video conference room at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail before Klugh could open conversation.
Helms was arraigned via video during the 8 a.m. docket Monday morning in the Williamsburg-James City County General District Court, Snyder said.
Klugh said it’s unclear whether mental health issues are a factor in the case. He added he plans to meet with Helms and his family to see whether a bond hearing or competency review could be the next step in the case.
Mental health
Helms was also charged with possession of a firearm by a person who was involuntarily committed to a facility on July 6, 2018.
A criminal complaint filed by James City County Police indicated authorities interviewed Helms June 22 after receiving a report that he might have a gun.
According to the complaint, Helms “admitted” he bought a muzzle-loading 50-caliber rifle online.
In October 2017, Helms was ordered by a judge to be involuntarily admitted for treatment at Riverside Behavioral Health, according to court documents.
Helms was found guilty Aug. 30 in the Williamsburg-James City County General District Court and ordered to pay $221 in court costs.
He was also sentenced to 90 days in jail — with all 90 days suspended.
