A Hartshorne man who operated “a very large homemade explosive laboratory operation” admitted to having a drug problem and obtaining and using “explosives that were illegal” during a guilty plea made Tuesday in federal court.
Court records show Kelly Von Morck pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of user of a controlled substance in possession of an explosive. Records show that a charge of possession of a firearm in violation of the NFA will be dismissed against Morck.
Morck made his plea Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Muskogee.
“I have problems with drug usage and have possessed and controlled substances illegally,” Morck wrote in his plea. “During that time period, in the fall of 2024 particularly, and while having an addiction and knowingly obtaining controlled substances, I also maintained firearms and ammunition at the same time. This also occurred in the summer of 2025, more particularly in the month of June.”
Von Morck said during the same time period, he maintained and obtained explosives that were illegal while possessing controlled substances illegally.
“I am very sorry for my actions,” Morck said.
He said based on the weight of evidence and sentencing, entering a plea of guilty “would be in my best interest.”
Morck faces up to 10 years in a federal prison on each count. He will be sentenced at a later date following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.
Read more about the case from the original story here: https://mcalesterradio.com/2025/06/27/hartshorne-man-in-custody-following-atf-investigation/