PHILADELPHIA, PA – David Perez, 37, was recently sentenced to 110 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to the Philadelphia School District and Wells Fargo Bank for manufacturing explosive devices, possession of explosives by a convicted felon, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Perez admitted to manufacturing illegal explosive devices for several years before his arrest in June 2021. These devices were found at numerous post-blast scenes, including multiple ATMs in 2020.
On July 4, 2020, Perez used his homemade explosives in the courtyard of a Philadelphia elementary school, causing over $75,000 in damages.
Upon arrest, Perez was found in possession of multiple firearms and distribution-level quantities of PCP. He also participated in a bank fraud conspiracy, leading to a loss of $43,500 to Wells Fargo Bank. U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero emphasized the threat to public safety and vowed to continue pursuing such cases.