Angelo Jackson Mendiver, Explosive Offenses, California 2023

A former Arvin High School supervisor has pleaded guilty to federal explosive offenses, including conspiring to manufacture and deal in explosive materials, and making false statements to FBI agents, according to a court filing.

Angelo Jackson Mendiver, 27, of Bakersfield, used an Instagram account to sell explosives and explosive materials to a 15-year-old male juvenile from Bakersfield, who helped him fulfill transactions and send explosives in the mail to residents of other states.

On June 1, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed at Mendiver’s residence, resulting in the seizure of approximately 500 pounds of explosives and explosive materials. Agents also seized another 500 pounds of explosives and explosive materials from the juvenile’s residence.

Mendiver worked closely with the juvenile to sell the explosives online and sent him several photos and videos of homemade explosive devices, including one that read ‘homemade kills all consumer.’

The case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Mendiver is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2024. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

The actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The guidelines take into account a number of variables, including the severity of the offense and Mendiver’s criminal history.

According to court documents, Mendiver used social media to sell explosives and explosive materials, which were then shipped to residents of other states. The case highlights the importance of online safety and the need for vigilance in the face of online threats.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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