Pipe-bomb maker given 5 years on firearms count
“This defendant has proven that he has the propensity for violence on multiple dangerous levels.” Fred Milanowski, AFT special agent in charge
A Universal City man who made pipe bombs was sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez imposed the sentence on Joshua Conan Faleide, 43, after investigators found him in possession of firearms and other components while they were trying to trace improvised explosives last year.
On March 25, 2020, the Bexar County fire marshal was called to assist China Grove police when the explosive device was found in the small town east of San Antonio. Based on the device characteristics and information obtained by investigators, officials suspected Faleide of placing the device, authorities said.
He was found at a motel room in Universal City. There, investigators found explosive components including a nearly complete pipe bomb and other explosive materials.
Investigators also found three loaded firearms — an SKS 7.62-caliber rifle that was on a bi-pod on a small table pointed at the door, a .45-caliber pistol, and a 9mm pistol — inside his motel room, U.S. Attorney Ashley Hoff said.
“This defendant has proven that he has the propensity for violence on multiple dangerous levels,” said Fred Milanowski, special agent in charge of the Houston office of U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which includes San Antonio.
Records show explosivepossession charges were dismissed in state court, but the evidence was rolled into the federal case.
Faleide was convicted of assault on a public servant in Bexar County in 2008, and was sentenced to five years in prison. He is barred from owning firearms.