A security officer at a Kern County, California, high school has pleaded guilty to making explosives with a student and selling them on social media, according to federal prosecutors.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Angelo Jackson Mendiver, 27, who worked as a campus security supervisor for Arvin High School in Arvin, pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials and mailing explosive devices, as well as making false statements to FBI agents.
Arvin High is part of the Kern High School District.
According to federal prosecutors, Mendiver, who lives in Bakersfield, used an Instagram account to sell explosives and explosive materials. He worked closely with a high school student from Bakersfield to fulfill transactions and send explosives in the mail to residents of other states.
On June 1, 2023, federal agents carried out a search warrant at Mendiver’s home and seized about 500 pounds of explosives and explosive materials.
Agents seized another 500 pounds of explosives and explosive materials from the high school student's residence. At both residences, agents found other items used to make explosives.
Mendiver is scheduled to be sentenced April 1 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
