Massachusetts Felon Admits Selling Russian Plutonium

A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty in federal court after prosecutors said he illegally imported plutonium from Russia, sold radioactive and toxic substances to customers in the United States and overseas, and possessed child sexual abuse material. The case centers on Jacob D. Miller, 44, who admitted to a series of federal offenses tied to hazardous materials, ammunition, explosive materials and illicit images.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Miller pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition, being a felon in possession of explosive materials, importing nuclear material without lawful authority, mailing hazardous materials and possession of child pornography. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Federal authorities said Miller was arrested on April 9, 2025, and later indicted by a grand jury on April 17, 2025. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest.

Prior convictions and business activity

Prosecutors said Miller had prior felony convictions in Massachusetts state court dating back to Feb. 9, 2004. In that earlier matter, he was convicted of possessing child pornography and possessing an explosive device. Court records cited by prosecutors show he received seven years of probation in the child pornography case. In a separate case involving two counts of possessing an explosive device, he was sentenced to 2½ years in jail and 10 years of probation.

After his release, prosecutors said Miller operated a business called Collect The Periodic Table, or CTPT. Through that business, he sold samples of chemical elements, including plutonium, which is highly radioactive, and thallium, which is highly toxic. Authorities said he also used the online marketplace Bonanza to make sales in addition to direct transactions through CTPT.

Sales of plutonium and thallium

According to prosecutors, Miller imported plutonium from Russia and arranged for it to be mailed to his home in Massachusetts. Between Dec. 30, 2020, and March 31, 2025, he sold plutonium to about 67 customers in the U.S. and abroad. Prosecutors said he then shipped the plutonium through a U.S. mail service even though plutonium is a hazardous substance that is prohibited from being mailed.

Authorities also described a separate pattern involving thallium. Between Oct. 12, 2017, and April 5, 2025, Miller allegedly used CTPT and Bonanza to sell thallium to about 71 customers. Prosecutors said he mailed those shipments as well, despite thallium also being classified as a hazardous substance barred from mailing.

Evidence seized in the investigation

During a search of Miller’s residence in April 2025, investigators recovered a box containing bottles of explosive powder, numerous rounds of ammunition and six firearms, according to prosecutors. Because of his prior felony convictions, authorities said his possession of the ammunition, firearms and explosive materials was unlawful.

Investigators also examined Miller’s laptop and cell phone and found child sexual abuse material, prosecutors said. They added that he had opened such material as recently as the day before the search warrant was executed.

The case combines public safety concerns involving radioactive material, toxic substances and explosive components with separate allegations involving illegal images. By pleading guilty, Miller has admitted to the federal charges outlined by prosecutors, bringing the case to the sentencing stage. The court will now determine the penalties he faces for the offenses tied to the importation and mailing of hazardous materials, possession of ammunition and explosive materials as a convicted felon, and possession of child pornography.