Robert Lawrence Hunt, a 40-year-old resident of Bakersfield, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the possession and manufacturing of a destructive device. Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith made the announcement following Hunt's admission in court.
Court documents reveal that Hunt constructed a device containing metal screws and explosives between July 4 and 5, 2022. This device was found at a community pool within a residential neighborhood where Hunt lived in the closest home. As a convicted felon with prior convictions for two robberies and burglary in Kern County Superior Court, Hunt is legally prohibited from possessing or manufacturing firearms or explosive devices.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is handling the prosecution.
Hunt has been detained since September 2024 due to concerns about his potential danger to the community. He is set for sentencing on July 14, 2025. For being a felon in possession of a destructive device, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Manufacturing such a device carries an additional potential sentence of up to 10 years and another $250,000 fine. The final sentence will be determined by the court based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.