A federal judge has handed down a 10-year prison sentence to a San Jose man who orchestrated a pair of explosive attacks against local electrical infrastructure, incidents that cut power to thousands and threatened residents dependent on life-sustaining medical equipment.
Peter Karasev, 39, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman. The sentencing follows Karasev’s guilty plea in April to two counts of willful destruction of an energy facility.
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The charges stem from two separate bombings of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) transformers in late 2022 and early 2023. According to court documents, Karasev used homemade explosive devices to attack the grid on December 8, 2022, and January 5, 2023. The second explosion, which occurred near the Plaza Del Ray shopping center on Snell Avenue, was captured on surveillance footage.
Prosecutors portrayed Karasev as a calculated actor who posed a severe threat to the community. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg noted that investigators discovered a “vast quantity of bombmaking materials” in Karasev’s home, pointing to his “specialized knowledge in explosives.”
“Karasev’s attacks on critical infrastructure were direct threats to public safety and national security,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian regarding the sentencing. “He aimed to inflict widespread disruption and harm, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who threaten the safety and well-being of the residents of San Jose.”
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The fallout from the attacks was significant. The explosions caused more than $200,000 in damages to local businesses and severed electrical service to over 1,500 households. The government’s sentencing memorandum highlighted that among those affected were 15 households enrolled in PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program, which serves individuals who require electricity for critical medical needs.
Karasev admitted the bombings were premeditated. Leading up to the attacks, he conducted extensive internet searches related to explosive materials, geopolitical conflicts, and how to target infrastructure.
“This individual conducted research and prepared homemade explosives which knocked out power to multiple homes,” said FBI Assistant Director Donald Holstead. “The FBI will work with our partners to identify and hold accountable those who engage in such dangerous and illegal acts.”
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In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman ordered Karasev to pay $214,880.67 in restitution and serve a three-year period of supervised release upon completion of his incarceration. He was immediately remanded into custody to begin his sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne C. Hsieh following an investigation by the FBI and the San Jose Police Department.
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