PORTLAND — A Saco man who federal authorities say tried to sell a bomb to an undercover agent has been ordered to remain in prison, and is now in solitary confinement, pending trial.

Michael Rickett, 23, was arrested and charged with possession of an unregistered explosive device on Dec.12. Possession of an unregistered destructive device is a Class C Felony that can lead to 10 years of prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

According to an affidavit from ATF Special Agent Timothy Kenty, a concerned citizen contacted the Saco Police Department on July 10, 2017, and said Rickett had solicited them to purchase an explosive device.

On July 11, 2017, an undercover ATF special agent contacted Rickett and during the course of a conversation, Rickett offered to sell the agent a “military grade” IED for $350.

The undercover agent met with Rickett and after negotiations, purchased the device for $200.

The device contained 26 pennies, a gold-colored pendant, circular magnets, three beverage can pull tabs and an unknown powder, according to the affidavit.

An ATF explosives enforcement officer examined the device and determined that it met the definition of an explosive device under federal law, according to the affidavit.

Last week, Rickett was ordered to stay in custody pending a bail revocation hearing, scheduled for Monday.

On Monday, United States Magistrate Judge John Rich III ordered Rickett to be detained pending trial, according to court records.

“The defendant is committed to the custody of the Attorney General or his designated representative for confinement in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal,” wrote Rich.

A date for the trial has not yet been set.

Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or email egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

Comments are not available on this story.