A 54-year-old man from Everett, Washington, has pleaded guilty to three federal felonies related to a pipe bomb explosion that destroyed a neighbor’s car at an apartment complex. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Steven Goldstine admitted guilt in U.S. District Court in Seattle to charges of 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 set for December 15, 2025 before U.S. District Judge John H. Chun.
According to court records, Everett Police responded to reports of an explosion on December 31, 2024 at the apartment complex parking lot. The victims identified Goldstine as a suspect based on prior conflicts and reported receiving a voice message the day after the explosion that used racial slurs and referenced the incident in their vehicle. Investigators linked the message back to Goldstine.
Authorities reviewed video footage from the area and identified clothing worn by the suspect that matched items found during a search warrant at Goldstine’s home. Law enforcement also seized over 700 rounds of ammunition from his residence. Due to previous felony convictions for burglary, arson, and possession of stolen property, Goldstine is barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Further investigation revealed that on September 17, 2020, law enforcement searched Goldstine’s home after he was reported to have pointed a gun at protestors while driving his car—an act captured on video. The firearm was confiscated during this search.
“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,” according to the statement released by authorities. “Unlawful possession of ammunition is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.” The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Chun following sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
The investigation is being conducted by the Everett Police Department with assistance from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Manca for the Western District of Washington along with Trial Attorney Taylor Payne from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
