Federal judge sentences physician to probation for having explosives

A Miami County physician convicted of having an unregistered firearm following a search of his home near Troy in spring 2024 was sentenced last week to five years of probation and 40 hours of community service.

Steven J. Werling, 54, of Concord Township, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Dayton by Judge Michael Newman on possession of an unregistered firearm, specifically two plastic cylinders of a mixture of ammonium nitrate and aluminum.

During comments before sentencing, Werling said he apologized for the fear or inconvenience he may have caused others. The U.S. attorney requested the judge to order Werling to 24 months in prison.

Newman told Werling the probation will be zero tolerance. Any violation of conditions could result in revocation of the probation and incarceration. Conditions of probation include prohibition of Werling possessing firearms, ammunition or destructive devices. He was also ordered to undergo a mental health assessment, and participate in any counseling recommended.

Federal law enforcement in April 2024 seized explosive devices and other materials that could be used to make explosives from the Werling home on Barnhart Road.  contained a mixture of ammonium nitrate and aluminum.

They also searched a building at 804 E. Monument St. in Dayton’s Webster Station neighborhood. Court records from a 2020-21 lawsuit showed that Werling was part of a group that has owned that building, which included a self-storage business.

He is a proctologist practicing in Miami County.