FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club has pleaded guilty in federal court after an explosive was detonated during a confrontation at a Fort Walton Beach business, damaging a nearby restaurant and injuring an employee, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
Niceville.com Community Partner
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida announced that Gregory E. Simonds Jr., 42, of Pensacola, entered a plea to arson by means of an explosive causing personal injury.
According to court documents, the incident took place on February 15, 2025, in the parking lot of Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson on Beal Parkway, during an altercation involving individuals reportedly associated with the Pagans Motorcycle Club.
During the confrontation, Mr Simonds is said to have set off an explosive that damaged the adjacent Jimmy John’s restaurant building and injured one of its employees.
Niceville.com Community Partner
Although Simonds drove away from the scene, law enforcement officers reportedly identified and arrested him quickly.
Officers recovered four more explosive devices, two guns, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and an Outlaws Motorcycle Club vest from his car, according to court records.
During a later search of his residence, federal agents reportedly seized additional explosive devices, explosive-making material and equipment, and other evidence said to show he was making and selling explosives.
Mr Simonds faces a mandatory minimum term of seven years in prison and up to a maximum of 40 years.
Niceville.com Community Partner
His sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the United States District Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
Niceville.com Community Partner
