(CN) — A Bay Area engineer pleaded guilty on Tuesday to federal charges relating to two separate bombings of PG&E electrical transformers in San Jose, which led to widespread power outages.
Peter Karasev, a 38-year-old U.S. citizen, admitted that the attacks were premeditated and deliberate — though the motive for the bombings was not made clear. When he was arrested in March 2023, investigators searched his home, vehicle and office and discovered multiple homemade explosives and more than 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, as well as other hazardous chemicals, firearms and remote detonation devices. They also found crystal methamphetamine, which Karasev said at the time he took instead of Adderall.
“The defendant admitted to using homemade explosives to intentionally damage two electrical transformers and cause significant disruptions to more than 1,500 residences and businesses in San Jose,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Patrick Robbins in a written statement. “The search of his home following his arrest uncovered a staggering trove of explosive devices and hazardous chemicals. There can be no mistake as to the extent of destruction that could have resulted.”…