Benjamin Cunha’s latest court date in an explosive-device case ended without a trial-setting decision, pushing the former firefighter’s next appearance into September. The delay keeps alive a case that already drew attention because of Cunha’s earlier arson conviction in El Dorado County.
A Mountain Democrat report says a trial-setting hearing is now scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 4 in Department 2 at the El Dorado County Courthouse in Placerville. The paper reported that the July 24 pre-preliminary hearing did not produce the expected next step, with Owen Lewis saying attorney Wise had thought he would be back from a family trip to Europe.
The Case Began With Alleged Roadside Explosives
Cunha was taken into custody in 2024 after a joint operation involving the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and California Highway Patrol. He is accused of placing improvised explosive devices in El Dorado and Sacramento counties, and KCRA 3 reported that he was booked into the El Dorado County Jail on charges related to possessing and unlawfully exploding a destructive device.
CBS Sacramento reported that the case includes allegations of unlawful explosion of a destructive device, malicious or reckless possession of an explosive device, and possession of a destructive device or explosives. The station also reported that bail was set at $2.1 million; those allegations have not been adjudicated.
His Fire-Setting History Is Part Of The Backdrop
Cunha is a former CAL FIRE firefighter and former Diamond Springs Fire Protection District volunteer. In a 2016 release, the U.S. Department of Justice said he was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to arson for the 2007 Mine Fire, which burned about 80 acres including federally owned land. The release added that Cunha admitted setting at least 30 wildland fires in El Dorado and Amador counties during 2006 and 2007 and was ordered to pay $246,862 in restitution.
Next Hearing Is Set For September
The next major checkpoint is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 4 in Department 2 at the El Dorado County Courthouse, according to the Mountain Democrat. The hearing is expected to address trial scheduling, not resolve whether Cunha is guilty of the current charges.
