Former campus security supervisor sentenced for explosives conspiracy

FRESNO, California — Angelo Jackson Mendiver, a 27-year-old from Bakersfield, has been sentenced to two years in prison for conspiring to manufacture and deal in explosive materials and for mailing explosive devices. Mendiver also faced charges for making false statements to FBI agents, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

Court documents reveal that Mendiver used an Instagram account to sell explosives and collaborated with a male juvenile from a Bakersfield high school to complete transactions and mail explosives to residents in other states. In messages to the juvenile, Mendiver shared a photo of a titanium salute, an explosive device, and videos of homemade explosives, stating, “homemade kills all consumer.” He warned the juvenile to be “super careful bro that homemade shit is dangerous.”

On June 1, 2023, a federal search warrant at Mendiver’s residence led to the seizure of 536 pounds of uncontained explosives and explosive materials, posing a significant safety risk to residents. An additional 440 pounds were seized from the juvenile’s residence, along with items used to make explosives, according to the press release.

Mendiver falsely told FBI agents that he did not sell explosives and was not involved with anyone in committing explosives offenses. The juvenile co-conspirator’s case is being managed by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Bakersfield Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar.