California Arvin High School’s security supervisor, Angelo Jackson Mendiver, pleaded guilty this Monday to charges from June for making and selling explosives online.
The US Attorney’s Office revealed that Mendiver, 27, utilized an Instagram account to market and distribute these hazardous materials, dispatching them via mail to recipients residing in different states.
Court documents highlighted Mendiver’s collaboration with a male juvenile student from Arvin, situated approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles.
The security supervisor admitted guilt to charges encompassing conspiring to manufacture and deal in explosive materials, mailing explosive devices, and making false statements to FBI agents, as stated by US Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
Arvin High School representatives redirected inquiries regarding the case to the Kern High School District’s press office, which remained unreachable for comment at the time of reporting.
Scheduled for sentencing on April 1 next year, Mendiver faces a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison along with a fine of $250,000 for each charge, as outlined by the Eastern District of California Attorney’s Office.
Materials Confiscated in California Investigation
The FBI’s investigation culminated in the seizure of roughly 500 pounds of explosives from Mendiver’s residence on June 1, supplemented by an additional 500 pounds retrieved from the juvenile’s home.
The authorities in California also found and confiscated materials that were used in making these explosives from both places or residences.
Incriminating evidence included photos and videos exchanged on Instagram between Mendiver and the juvenile, showcasing homemade explosives crafted using titanium salute.
Messages from Mendiver referenced the superiority of homemade explosives over consumer-grade products, emphasizing their lethal potential.
In addition to the counts that were accepted, Mendiver was charged with conspiracy to conduct acts against the United States, improper storage of explosives, and criminal forfeiture in an indictment filed in June in a California court.
Mendiver’s court-appointed attorney remained unreachable for comment, while Assistant US Attorney Karen A. Escobar oversees the prosecution of the case.
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