Everett, Washington, man pleads guilty to three federal felonies stemming from pipe bomb that destroyed car at apartment complex

Seattle - A 54-year-old Everett, Washington man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three federal felonies in connection with a pipe bomb explosion that destroyed a neighbor's car, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Steven Goldstine was originally charged in Snohomish County for the suspected hate crime. Today he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a destructive device on December 31, 2024; unlawful possession of ammunition on March 17, 2025; and unlawful possession of a firearm on September 4, 2020. Sentencing is scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge John H. Chun on December 15, 2025.

According to records filed in the case, on December 31, 2024, Everett Police responded to reports of an explosion in a car parked at an apartment complex. The victims told police they suspected Goldstine due to prior conflicts they had had with him. The day after the explosion they received a voice message using racial slurs and referencing the explosion in the vehicle. Further analysis of the records led investigators to believe it was Goldstine.

Using video footage from the apartment complex and other cameras in the area investigators determined the bomber's clothing and direction of travel. When they executed a search warrant at Goldstine's home law enforcement found a jacket and shoes that appeared to match those seen in the video. Law enforcement also seized more than 700 rounds of ammunition. Goldstine is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions for burglary, arson, and possession of stolen property. Goldstine pleaded guilty to that felony today.

In reviewing Goldstine's history, law enforcement determined that on September 17, 2020, law enforcement searched Goldstine's residence following a report that while out in his car he had pointed a gun at protestors. The action was captured on video. In the search of Goldstine's home in 2020, the firearm was seized by law enforcement. Goldstine pleaded guilty today to that illegal firearms possession.

Unlawful possession of a destructive device and unlawful possession of a firearm, as charged in this case, are both punishable by up to ten years in prison. Unlawful possession of ammunition is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Chun after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the Everett Police Department, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Manca for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.