A 54-year-old man from Everett, Washington, is set to appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle following federal charges related to a pipe bomb explosion that destroyed a neighbor's car. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the federal charges against Steven Goldstine, who was previously charged in Snohomish County with a suspected hate crime. Goldstine now faces federal charges for unlawful possession of a destructive device, ammunition, and a firearm.
Court documents reveal that on December 31, 2024, Everett Police responded to a car explosion at an apartment complex. Victims pointed to Goldstine as suspected due to earlier disputes. The day after the incident, a voice message with racial slurs referencing the explosion was reported, directing suspicion towards Goldstine.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage to track the suspect's clothing and movements. During a search of Goldstine's residence, authorities found a jacket and shoes matching those seen on the footage, along with over 700 rounds of ammunition. Goldstine is barred from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions for burglary, arson, and possession of stolen property.
Further investigation into Goldstine's history showed that on September 17, 2020, law enforcement previously searched his residence after reports of him brandishing a gun at protestors. This action was also recorded on video, and the firearm was seized. The recent federal complaint includes charges for illegal firearms possession from this incident.
These charges carry significant penalties. Unlawful possession of both a destructive device and a firearm can each result in up to ten years in prison, while unlawful possession of ammunition can lead to up to 15 years in prison.
It should be noted that the charges are allegations. In the legal process, a person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being conducted by the Everett Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Manca is prosecuting the case.