Former Navy SEAL arraigned on weapons charges in Suffolk

SUFFOLK – A former Navy SEAL found with illegal weapons and explosives at his home near Chuckatuck was arraigned in court today.

Elbert Tillman Jr., 34, was arrested by Suffolk Police on Dec. 29 after a search of his residence revealed more than 200 different types of illegal explosives, a large quantity of possible illegal steroids, syringes, 18 rifles, numerous handguns, two computers and 28 metal military boxes of assorted ammunition.

Tillman was arraigned via video in Suffolk General District Court from the Western Tidewater Regional Jail, where he’s being held without bond.

Tillman pled not guilty to four felony charges of creating or using bombs or explosives, manufacturing, sale or use of explosives in a residential area and four counts of possessing explosives in a residential area. He told Judge Jim Moore that he will hire his own attorney.

Police had said earlier that additional charges are expected to be filed against Tillman once all of the explosive devices found at the residence in the 6500 block of Ferry Point Road have been identified and inventoried.

There are also pending charges involving the possession of illegal steroids and weapons charges relating to possession of weapons while in possession of illegal drugs, said Lt. D.J. George, police spokeswoman. George said investigations are also ongoing to determine if any of the items were stolen government property.

In addition, George said, Tillman is being investigated in Martinsville, Ind. for a violent domestic assault that occurred on Dec. 27. She said he’s expected to be charged later in the week.

Linda McNatt, (757) 222-5561, linda.mcnatt@pilotonline.com