Louisville ‘chemist’ who’s home sparked state of emergency will avoid jail time

LOUISVILLE, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — A Louisville man deemed a “chemist by trade” has pleaded guilty to amended charges on Thursday that won’t result in jail time.

In July 2023, Louisville Metro Police searched two properties on Applegate Lane after receiving a tip that the man living or squatting there had homemade explosives. As a result, police arrested 53-year-old Marc Hibel, who was described in a press conference as “a chemist by trade” and “a hoarder.”

Hibel appeared in court on Thursday and FOX 56’s sister station, WDRB, was there. WDRB reported that Hibel entered a guilty plea to two counts of criminal trespassing, wanton endangerment, and a new possession of a controlled substance charge for LSD.

He entered an Alford plea, meaning that he maintains his innocence after claiming the chemicals found were benign and didn’t pose a threat to the community but acknowledges that there was enough evidence for a jury to convict him, per WDRB.

Evidence showed, as FOX 56 previously reported, that Hibel invited undercover investigators into the residence and showed them what he described as “homemade explosives,” according to the arrest citation. Upon further investigation, Hibel was found to have laboratory-grade equipment and chemicals, including TNP, or picric acid, which is a “highly sensitive explosive.” He also allegedly stated that he had previously made explosives and homemade blasting caps, which he would detonate in his backyard.

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Both of the contaminated sites have been cleaned and Hibel’s home was demolished, WDRB reported.

Hibel’s attorney, Thomas Rasinski, claimed that Hibel is a retired chemist who “collected a lot of things,” intending to dispose of some and use other materials to start his own business with another chemist, per WDRB.

According to court documents, the recommended sentence would be three years in prison that will instead be probated for five years.

WDRB reported that, per terms of the plea agreement, Hibel must continue mental health treatment, stay away from Appelgate Lane, and not own any chemicals or hazardous materials.

Hibel is set to be officially sentenced on Nov. 4

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