MINEOLA, N.Y. – A North Merrick man was indicted on terrorism and other charges for allegedly attempting to bomb the Nassau County Department of Social Services building in Uniondale in September, prosecutors announced Thursday.
James Luca, 46, was arraigned before Judge Terence Murphy on multiple charges, including the crime of terrorism, criminal possession of a weapon, and conspiracy. Luca pleaded not guilty and was remanded. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said Luca allegedly sought revenge against the county’s Child Protective Services, blaming the agency for revoking his visitation rights with his children. “James Luca’s alleged actions, his plotting, and his attempts to ignite an explosion at a government building… justifies this significant upgrade in charges,” Donnelly said.
Surveillance footage shows Luca attempting to ignite a homemade bomb, composed of propane tanks and flares, at the building’s doors in the early hours of September 17. The device failed to detonate, and it was discovered later that morning by a building investigator, who alerted authorities.
Police and fire officials evacuated the building, secured the device, and located additional materials, including another propane tank and flares, nearby. Luca and a co-defendant, who acted as a lookout, were arrested on October 3 after a detailed investigation.
Authorities commended the collaboration between law enforcement agencies in neutralizing the threat. “This dangerous individual put hundreds of lives in danger,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
Luca is scheduled to appear in court on December 19. His attorney, Stacy Albin Leone, has not commented publicly on the case.
Prosecutors described the case as an unprecedented move to charge a defendant with terrorism at the local level.
