- 63-year-old owner attempted to ship 100 military-grade accelerometers
- Devices valued at $20k falsely declared as $100 shipment
- HSI intervention prevented potential missile guidance system enhancements
Federal prosecutors secured a critical victory in technology export enforcement this week as David C. Bohmerwald admitted to violating U.S. export controls. The Raleigh-based Components Cooper Inc. owner purchased sensitive measurement devices capable of improving ballistic missile accuracy, according to Department of Justice filings.
Accelerometers like those intercepted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) measure vibration and tilt with extreme precision. Military applications include guidance systems for drones and smart munitions, making them Category XI items under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Bohmerwald’s attempted shipment followed a pattern of similar Carolinas-based export attempts, including a 2022 Greenville case where thermal imaging tech nearly reached Iranian buyers.
Industry analysts note three concerning trends: 1) Growing Chinese demand for dual-use technologies, 2) Exploitation of small-business supply chains, and 3) Improved interagency detection rates (up 37% since 2021 according to HSI reports). The electronics manufacturer that alerted authorities exemplifies new private-sector compliance partnerships mandated under 2023 Defense Authorization Act provisions.
Sentencing guidelines suggest Bohmerwald could receive 12-20 years, though plea deals in similar cases often reduce terms. His admission of knowingly violating Export Control Reform Act statutes complicates potential appeals. Homeland Security's Carolinas field office emphasized this case as part of Operation Shield Wall, targeting unauthorized tech transfers to adversarial nations.
Regional defense contractors are now required to implement enhanced due diligence protocols. “This incident shows why we conduct quarterly export control training,” stated Charlotte-based AeroTech Systems compliance officer Mark Ellison. “Even non-defense companies must screen customers against Consolidated Screening List entries.”