SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was arraigned today for placing pipe bombs near public places in Anaheim and possessing materials to construct additional pipe bombs. Donald Paul Busteed, 45, Anaheim, is charged with three felony counts of possession of a destructive device in a public place, one felony count of explosion of a destructive device, and one felony count of intent to unlawfully make a destructive device. If convicted, Busteed faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and eight months in state prison. Busteed was charged and arraigned today and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on April 8, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. in Department N-3,North Justice Center, Fullerton.

On Nov. 13, 2015, Busteed is accused of placing a pipe bomb in Lowe's Home Improvement parking lot in Anaheim. A shopper in the parking lot saw the device and called 911. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Department bomb squad responded to the scene and dismantled the device.

On Dec. 11, 2015, Busteed is accused of attaching a pipe bomb to a pole in an alleyway in Anaheim. A witness contacted the Anaheim Police Department (APD) and the device was dismantled.

On March 27, 2016, Busteed is accused of detonating a pipe bomb in an alleyway near Anaheim Boulevard and Wilhelmina Street in Anaheim.

APD investigated this case and on March 28, 2016, searched the defendant's residence. Busteed is accused of possessing additional pipe bomb devices and various materials necessary to construct pipe bombs in his garage. Busteed was subsequently arrested by APD.

“APD would like to express its sincerest gratitude for the cooperation and expertise provided by the OCSD's bomb squad. Their contributions were essential to the success of this investigation,” said Sergeant Daron Wyatt.

On Dec. 31, 2015, Busteed detonated an explosive device at a business on East White Star Avenue. On Jan. 19, 2016, Busteed pleaded guilty to a court offer of one felony count of intent to unlawfully make a destructive device and one felony count of possession of a destructive device (Case # 16NF0037). The defendant was sentenced that day to 90 days in jail. Busteed was subsequently released from custody and is accused of violating the terms of his probation in this case.

Deputy District Attorney Jess Rodriguez of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

*Defendant also charged with a probation violation for a pipe bomb conviction

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 16NF0943 / March 30, 2016