Bond granted for Brevard man accused of making pipe bombs

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — A judge set bond at $100,000 for a Satellite Beach man accused of having bomb-making materials.

Joseph Long’s attorney said his client recently graduated from the police academy and lives within blocks of the police station and a ball field where Satellite Beach police said they discovered a suspicious device a few months ago.

Before Long was accused of having bomb-making materials in his vehicle and home, he worked as a border patrol agent and was an aspiring police officer, Channel 9’s Melonie Holt learned.

“Certainly, I think his hopes of being a law enforcement officer after this incident are pretty well destroyed,” said defense attorney Greg Eisenmenger.

A judge granted Long bond on Wednesday under conditions that included a curfew, GPS monitoring and an order to stay away from public parks and buildings.

Long was arrested last week by Indian Harbor police after officers said they discovered the makings of a pipe bomb in his truck.

Nearby, police said they located a detonated device.

Long posted bond only to be rearrested after a search of his Norwood Avenue home, where a 12-inch piece of pipe was found with an end cap.

Police said they also found a film canister containing gunpowder and camouflage duct tape.

The judge also heard about recent incidents investigated near Long's residence.

About two months ago, the Public Works Department hit a pipe in Olsen Field, which is directly behind the police department and 50 yards from Long’s parent’s house.

Later, the pipe was detonated, and police admit they haven't directly linked that incident to Long.

On Tuesday, police were back in Long's neighborhood where a resident found what appeared to be a duct taped lighter with a fuse.

Long's attorney said the only thing tying his client to the incidents is proximity.

WFTV