Gerald Drake sentenced for planting pipe bomb

Gerald Leonard Drake of Winchester was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for planting a pipe bomb at the Cedar Creek Battlefield in October 2017.

According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office Drake was sentenced August 17.

Back in April, Drake pled guilty to the charge and mailing threatening letters with Antifa insignia to organizers, reenactment groups, and news outlets.

During the 153rd Reenactment of the Battle of Cedar Creek in October 2017, a pipe bomb was discovered.

The bomb was considered highly dangerous to FBI experts.

The discovery led to the cancellation and evacuation of the grounds and event.

Before and after that event Drake sent letters threatening violence.

The 64-year-old Drake was a reenactor until he was removed from his unit in 2014.

He did continue to volunteer at the annual Battle of Cedar Creek reenactment event.

Drake admitted to manufacturing the pipe bomb to instill fear and cause harm to those attending the reenactment.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh commended those responsible for bringing an end to Drake’s threats and people like him fear-mongering at the sentencing.

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