Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Importing Radioactive Materials

A man from Massachusetts, previously convicted of child-related offenses, has confessed to illegally importing radioactive substances from Russia and selling them throughout the United States, as reported by officials.

Jacob D. Miller, aged 44, acknowledged his guilt regarding the importation of hazardous plutonium from Russia, which he had mailed to his residence in South Hadley for his business, “Collect The Periodic Table.” This information was shared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts on Monday.

Back in February 2004, Miller was convicted of possessing child pornography and an explosive device, receiving a sentence of two and a half years imprisonment followed by ten years on probation, according to federal prosecutors.

After his prison term, he launched Collect The Periodic Table, which involved selling various elemental samples, including radioactive plutonium and the highly poisonous element, thallium.

Authorities stated that Miller sold these elements both through his business and via an online platform known as Bonanza.

Between December 30, 2020, and March 31, 2025, it’s estimated that he sold plutonium to about 67 customers, even going so far as to ship it via U.S. mail. Furthermore, he sold thallium to around 71 customers across the country.

Plutonium, a silver radioactive metal, can be utilized in the construction of nuclear weapons and poses severe health risks if inhaled, ingested, or introduced into the body through open wounds. Meanwhile, thallium is an extremely toxic heavy metal that is both odorless and tasteless, making it particularly dangerous.

During a search of Miller’s home in April 2025, investigators discovered a box with explosive powders, numerous rounds of ammunition, and six firearms that were illegally possessed. Alarmingly, they also found additional child sex abuse materials on his laptop and cell phone, which he had accessed just the day prior to the search.

A grand jury indicted Miller on April 17, and he has been incarcerated since his arrest that same month.

Miller has pleaded guilty to several charges, including being a felon in possession of ammunition, possessing explosive materials, illegally importing nuclear material, mailing hazardous materials, and possessing child pornography.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2027, presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Mastroianni.