Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing and Selling Plutonium

A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to illegally importing radioactive material from Russia and selling it to dozens of customers across the U.S. through his business, "Collect The Periodic Table." Jacob D. Miller, 44, of South Hadley, admitted to importing plutonium and mailing it to his home for distribution.

Miller was previously convicted in February 2004 for possessing child pornography and an explosive device, for which he received a sentence of two and a half years in prison and 10 years of probation. Following his release, he established his business, which specialized in selling samples of elements, including radioactive plutonium and the toxic element thallium.

Authorities stated that between December 30, 2020, and March 31, 2025, Miller sold plutonium to approximately 67 customers, even shipping the material through the U.S. mail. He also sold thallium to 71 customers nationwide.

Plutonium is described as a radioactive, silver metal with applications in nuclear weapons, and is considered a deadly poison if ingested or inhaled. Thallium is an extremely toxic heavy metal that is odorless, tasteless, and slow-acting.

During a search of Miller's residence in April 2025, investigators discovered a box containing bottles of explosive powder, numerous rounds of ammunition, and six firearms, all of which he possessed illegally as a convicted felon. The search also uncovered additional child sex abuse material on his laptop and cell phone.

A grand jury indicted Miller on April 17, and he has been in custody since his arrest that month. He has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including being a felon in possession of ammunition and explosive materials, importing nuclear material without lawful authority, mailing hazardous materials, and possession of child pornography.

Miller is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Mastroianni on January 21, 2027.