San Jose, California – A California engineer pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges stemming from two separate bombings of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) electrical transformers that caused significant damage and power outages in San Jose in late 2022 and early 2023, federal prosecutors announced.
Peter Karasev, 38, of San Jose, admitted to targeting PG&E infrastructure with homemade explosive devices on December 8, 2022, and January 5, 2023. The attacks left more than 1,500 homes and businesses without power and caused substantial property damage.
According to court documents, the first bombing occurred near Westfield Oakridge Mall, disabling a transformer and disrupting power to approximately 1,450 customers for nearly 16 hours. The second attack occurred near the Plaza Del Rey shopping center and damaged a transformer and an adjacent building, affecting dozens more residents and businesses.
Karasev pleaded guilty to two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility in the Northern District of California. In his plea agreement, he admitted that the bombings were “premeditated and deliberate,” and that he had conducted online research into explosive materials, infrastructure sabotage, and international conflicts before the attacks.
“Attacks on America’s critical infrastructure are attacks on our national security,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Karasev’s actions endangered lives and disrupted essential services. We will continue to pursue those who commit such dangerous crimes.”
During Karasev’s arrest on March 1, 2023, a joint investigation by the FBI and San Jose Police Department uncovered what prosecutors called a “staggering trove” of dangerous materials. Authorities seized more than 300 pounds of explosive precursors, multiple homemade explosive devices, hazardous chemicals, firearms, and remote detonation systems from his home, vehicle, and office.
“The search revealed a frightening stockpile that could have caused catastrophic harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California. “We commend the swift and thorough work of law enforcement in bringing this individual to justice.”
The FBI described the attacks as a serious threat to public safety. “Americans rely on essential infrastructure every day,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI and our partners are committed to protecting these critical systems and holding accountable anyone who seeks to damage them.”
Under the terms of the plea deal, Karasev faces between 8.5 and 10.5 years in federal prison and must pay at least $104,076.26 in restitution for the damages. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 19.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI and the San Jose Police Department continue to investigate.
Karasev remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing.
