Reward now $20,000 after 704 lbs. of dynamite stolen from Pa. worksite

MARIETA, Pa. - A reward in the theft of 704 pounds of dynamite from a Pennsylvania pipeline worksite now stands at $20,000, the ATF announced Thursday.

The dynamite was stored inside a locked truck trailer after Gregory General Contracting Company employees left the Marieta, Pa., worksite Friday, and a security company looking after the site did not discover the theft until Monday. The trailer door was ajar with the locks missing.

Each case of explosives holds 40 cartridges (or sticks) weighing 1.1 pounds each. Authorities initially reported 640 pounds were missing, but a full inventory later confirmed that 16 cases, or 704 pounds of dynamite, were missing.

Additionally, 400 blasting caps were taken.

In an updated press release issued Thursday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said it's offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the stolen explosives and/or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

"The ATF, along with our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that those who violate federal explosive laws are held accountable," Donald Robinson, the Philadelphia ATF's Special Agent in Charge, said in a news release earlier this week. "We are asking for the public's help in our effort to apprehend and convict those responsible."

The ATF notes that theft and possession of stolen explosives is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662). Tips can also be submitted by using the "Reportit" mobile app. All tips will be kept confidential.

The Susquehanna Regional Police Department is investigating along with the ATF and state police.