In a recent development from Napa County, resident Justin Chapman Fisher, age 32, has been convicted for the second time on charges related to explosives, according to a press release from the Napa County District Attorney's Office. A jury found Fisher guilty of felony possession of materials with the intent of making an explosive device and conspiracy to commit a crime. The jury also determined that a special allegation that Fisher had served a prior prison term was true.
After his release from prison for previous offenses, Fisher was employed as a lab manager, where he was later terminated due to poor performance. Evidently, Fisher didn't just leave with his final paycheck, but, unbeknownst to his employers at the time, court records revealed several chemicals on the company's dime. These chemicals, while legal, are known precursors in manufacturing explosives.
After his firing, Napa County Sheriff's deputies, following a tip, served a search warrant on Fisher's residence and a storage unit linked to him. According to the District Attorney's Office, items discovered included instructions for making explosives, chemical precursors, electrical switches potentially for improvised explosive devices, and other bomb-making materials. "It is hard to underestimate the danger and recklessness of this conduct," Deputy District Attorney Ian McNear told the public, stressing the severity of Fisher's actions.
Adding to the community's concern is Fisher's previous 2020 conviction, also centered around explosive materials, drugs, and illegal weapons, as Hoodline reported. The same Hoodline article notes that the extensive multi-agency coordination during the search of Fisher's property signals the level of threat he was believed to pose.
Fisher now awaits sentencing for up to four years and eight months in local prison. The sentencing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., September 30, in Department 4 of the Napa County Superior Court. The public can contact Public Affairs and Media Officer Carlos Villatoro for further questions regarding the case.
