A major investigation in Baxter County has led to the arrest of a 61-year-old man facing dozens of felony charges involving child exploitation, along with additional charges after authorities discovered an explosive device, drugs, and a large cache of firearms.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Michael Raymond Wamser Jr. was taken into custody following a cybertip investigation. During a search of his residence on April 27, investigators located a pipe bomb inside a closet near the master bedroom.
The Bentonville Police Department Bomb Squad safely removed and detonated the device. Authorities also seized approximately 50 firearms, psychedelic mushrooms, kratom, and drug paraphernalia.
Wamser faces 49 initial child exploitation-related counts, along with multiple additional felony charges, including possession of an explosive device and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.
He is currently being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on a total bond of $400000. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
