DOB: 03/04/1964

Case Number: 2024-0379-CF

Putnam County Defendant Sentenced to Prison in Chemical Attack on Deputy

PALATKA – During a hearing on Friday, defendant Charles Legault was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He entered no contest pleas in May to Make, Possess, Throw, Project, or Discharge any Destructive Device resulting in Bodily Harm or Property Damage, Carrying a Concealed Firearm during Commission of a Felony, Armed Trafficking in Methamphetamine (28 grams to less than 200 grams), Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On April 5, 2024, a Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over a truck on Mosley Avenue. During the traffic stop, the driver, Legault, consented to a search of his vehicle.

As the deputy searched the vehicle, a PVC pipe bomb containing chlorine and brake fluid exploded and covered the deputy in chemicals.

The chemicals caused the deputy to go into respiratory distress, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Detectives later learned the defendant had intentionally assembled the device and was also armed with a suppressor, loaded magazines, and ammunition. In addition, a large amount of methamphetamine was found in Legault’s vehicle.

“The defendant is a very dangerous individual who will be off our streets for a long time,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “It is a troubling reality that there are people out there who engage in such activities. Our communities are safe with his absence from the streets!”

The case was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Palatka Police Department, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, St. Johns County Fire Rescue, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Florida Fire Marshal, and Putnam County Fire Rescue. Managing Assistant State Attorney Mark Lewis and Assistant State Attorney Sam Frazer successfully prosecuted the case for the State of Florida. The Honorable Alicia Washington heard the case and imposed sentence.