Milwaukee man faces felony charge after being accused of making pipe bombs at West Allis workplace

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man is in custody after officials said he was making pipe bombs at his workplace in West Allis.

On Monday, 48-year-old Joseph Godlewski appeared in court for a hearing, facing one felony charge for possession of improvised explosives.

According to a criminal complaint, West Allis police received an anonymous tip alleging Godlewski had ordered bomb-making components online and that he had previously made and detonated an improvised explosive device.

Detectives said the materials he was reportedly using were found inside his office, including sulfur powder, aluminum powder, potassium nitrate, tubes, fuses, a digital scale and glue.

Officials in court noted the business where he worked had to be shut down for multiple hours to ensure the materials could be properly removed.

Documents show a Milwaukee Police Department bomb squad sergeant confirmed with investigators that those items together could be constructed to make the improvised explosive devices and were capable of causing bodily harm or property damage.

Godlewski was arrested at his home and will appear in court next Monday for a preliminary hearing.

If convicted, he faces up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.