A Liberty University student who had planned to attend the Rev. Jerry Falwell's funeral but was arrested when authorities found homemade bombs in his car is now facing a federal charge.

Mark D. Uhl, 19, appeared in federal court in Roanoke on Wednesday on a charge of possessing an explosive device.

A similar state charge against Uhl was dropped because having an explosive device that is not registered is a federal offense, said U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Heidi Coy.

Uhl was arrested Monday in Campbell County after he told a family member he had made bombs and planned to attend Falwell's funeral, according to the Campbell County Sheriff's Office. The family member contacted authorities.

Campbell County deputies searched Uhl's car and found five bombs in the trunk, authorities said.

Uhl is being held at the Roanoke City Jail without bond.

-- Amanda Codispoti