San Jose Resident Indicted for Explosive Attacks on Electrical Transformers
In a concerning development, Peter Karasev, a 36-year-old U.S. citizen residing in San Jose, has been arraigned on federal charges related to the destruction of energy facilities. The indictment, issued on October 19, accuses Karasev of using explosives to attack and destroy two PG&E transformers on December 8, 2022, and January 5, 2023, respectively. The attacks caused significant disruption, affecting over 1,500 households and businesses in the San Jose community. Karasev faces charges of destroying energy facilities and using fire or explosives to commit a federal crime.
Allegations and Charges:
Willful Damage to Energy Facilities: Karasev is charged with knowingly and willfully damaging the property of two energy facilities, specifically the PG&E transformers in San Jose. The attacks, occurring on December 8, 2022, and January 5, 2023, resulted in substantial interruption and impairment of these critical energy facilities.
Use of Fire and Explosives to Commit a Felony: The indictment includes a charge against Karasev for using fire and explosives to commit a felony, specifically the destruction of an energy facility on January 5, 2023.
Impact and Disruption:
Community-Wide Power Interruption: Both attacks, strategically carried out during the early morning hours in commercial areas, caused power outages that collectively impacted over 1,500 households and businesses in the San Jose community.
Law Enforcement Response:
Pretrial Detention: Karasev was taken into custody by local authorities in March 2023 and remained detained on related state charges before being transferred to federal custody for this case.
Search and Seizure: At the time of his arrest, Karasev was reportedly in possession of improvised explosive devices, firearms, other weapons, over 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, and hazardous substances.
Prosecution and Potential Penalties:
Charges and Sentencing: Karasev faces charges of destruction of an energy facility and use of fire or explosives to commit a federal felony. If convicted, he could face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison for the latter charge, to be served consecutively to any imprisonment imposed for the other counts. The maximum penalty for each count includes up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Investigation:
Collaborative Effort: The FBI and the San Jose Police Department are jointly investigating the case, highlighting the collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies.
The charges against Peter Karasev underscore the severity of attacking critical infrastructure, with potential consequences affecting the broader community. As the case progresses, the legal proceedings will shed light on the motive behind the explosive attacks and the potential implications for Karasev.
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