Suspect in Hard Rock explosives case briefly appears in court less than a week after arrest
TAMPA, Fla. - Tuesday's court hearing for the man accused of planting explosive devices inside the Seminole Hard Rock Casino was continued. It all came less than a week after his arrest.
Investigators say Bryan Eckley, 46, placed the devices inside the casino on the night of Sept. 29 and in the early morning hours of Sept. 30. The casino was evacuated twice, with both devices being rendered safe.
Eckley was represented by a public defender at his court appearances last week. As of Monday, Eckley had retained Anthony Rickman as his attorney.
"One of the reasons we filed this motion to continue today was so that I can review some of the evidence that the state has," Rickman told FOX 13 outside the courthouse Tuesday.
On Sept. 26, Eckley is accused of firing a gun into the air at someone's front door shortly after getting into an argument with them over politics. He was later arrested at his home in Westchase, which is where, according to a search warrant filed Oct. 31, investigators wanted to look for "any items of evidence used in the making of explosive devices."
A second search warrant was also filed Oct. 31 for Protex Roofing in Tampa. According to the company’s website, Eckley, who is the founder, is a Tampa native who graduated from Plant High School and the University of South Florida. Jail records list Protex Roofing as Eckley’s employer.
"He's presumed innocent," Rickman said. "We've entered that plea of not guilty in his defense. At the end of the day, the state has to prove these charges. Ultimately, I'd ask that anyone wait to pass judgment, wait until all the facts come out. And ultimately, once all those facts come out, I believe the evidence will show that he's not guilty."
Brian Eckley was arrested one month after the two explosive devices were discovered. Image is courtesy of FDLE.
Eckley’s next court date is scheduled for Nov. 14. He’s been charged with two counts of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing, or discharging any destructive device.
"He’s a business owner. He's a father. He’s a family man," Rickman said. "At the end of the day, the state has to prove these charges, and we anticipate putting up a very good defense in this case."
Last week, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Seminole Police Department, the FBI and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Eckley's arrest. According to authorities, Eckley had been spotted acting suspicious in the casino days prior to the devices being discovered.
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