Norman Man Sentenced to Serve 18 Months in Federal Prison after Tossing Molotov Cocktail at Norman Business Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma Dateline: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Date: 18 March 2025 Subjects: American Government , Crime

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, TIM RIXT BRENS, 31, of Norman, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for possession of an illegal Molotov cocktail, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On October 1, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Brens with possession of an unregistered destructive device, a Molotov cocktail. According to public record, on May 16, 2024, a crew with the Norman Fire Department (NFD) responded to a reported grass fire in the city. On scene, NFD observed a grass fire that had partially burned a building belonging to a towing and recovery business. NFD crews extinguished the fire and located evidence that indicated the fire was started by a Molotov cocktail. NFD reviewed surveillance footage taken from a business across the street, and observed an individual arrive in a black sports car, get out of the vehicle, and toss a Molotov cocktail at the building before fleeing in the car. An investigation into the vehicle led authorities to Brens. NFD authorities learned that Brens had another vehicle which had recently been towed to the business, that Brens was angry at the amount of money the business required to retrieve his vehicle, and that the vehicle had been sold by the towing company. 

On November 26, 2024, Brens pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing the illegal Molotov cocktail.

At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Brens to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted that the circumstances of the crime were dangerous and could have resulted in far more extensive damage than was ultimately caused. The judge then emphasized the need to promote deterrence to those who might engage in similar activity and highlighted the need to promote respect for the rule of law.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Norman Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

Updated March 18, 2025

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