February 25, 2026 03:42 pm (IST)
Los Angeles, May 6 (IBNS) A man who left pipe bombs in a residential neighborhood in Palm Springs near the residence of an ex-girlfriend—and who became a fugitive after escaping from custody in a related case—pleaded guilty on Monday to a federal charge of possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Costa pleaded guilty in 2012 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to a year in prison and was finishing his sentence at a halfway house in Rubidoux when he walked away from the facility in August 2013.
The fugitive was taken into custody in November by the Banning Police Department and the FBI.
While a fugitive last year, Costa was indicted for possessing six pipes bombs that were left in a Palm Springs neighborhood from May 8 through May 12, 2012.
While a fugitive last year, Costa was indicted for possessing six pipes bombs that were left in a Palm Springs neighborhood from May 8 through May 12, 2012.
Prior to being indicted for the pipe bombs, Costa was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a .357-magnum revolver, as well as 106 rounds of ammunition.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case involving the pipe bombs.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case involving the pipe bombs.
The Palm Springs Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department provided substantial assistance.
As a result of Monday’s guilty plea, Costa faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Judge Phillips is scheduled to sentence Costa on July 14.
As a result of Monday’s guilty plea, Costa faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Judge Phillips is scheduled to sentence Costa on July 14.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
‘Pakistan PM would’ve died if...’: Trump reignites Operation Sindoor claims in SOTU speech
Wed, Feb 25 2026
Trump claims Pakistan PM told him he prevented 35 million deaths by stopping India-Pakistan conflict
Wed, Feb 25 2026
Who is Avtar Singh? Abducted Sikh man found dead near US lake
Tue, Feb 24 2026
Trump attacks Supreme Court over tariff ruling, claims verdict gave him 'more power'
Mon, Feb 23 2026
Canada: Ontario invests $345M in Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy
Mon, Feb 23 2026
