Last Updated on December 6, 2025 by The HD Post Staff
CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced December 4 that a California man pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting that he used an explosive to destroy a First Citizens Bank ATM in Rancho Bernardo in the summer of 2024.
Son Nguyen, 46, of San Diego, admitted in his plea agreement that on June 28, 2024, he drove to an ATM outside a First Citizens Bank branch and inserted a metal rod into the machine’s cash dispenser slot.
He then swapped it out for a second device fitted with wires.
When he pulled the wires, the device ignited, setting the ATM’s electrical components on fire and destroying the machine.
Smoke emitted from the ATM for more than 30 minutes. At about 3:23 a.m., San Diego police responded to a burglary alarm at the bank.
Upon arrival, officers found the ATM billowing smoke with its internal components on fire. Electrical wires protruded from the ATM, with a bent U-shaped metal rod still attached.
Officers also found blue material with a white-and-black valve lying in front of the ATM.
Identified through bank surveillance footage
Nguyen had left the area, but investigators identified him through bank surveillance footage that captured the license plate of his vehicle.
According to a federal complaint, on August 23, 2024, authorities executed search warrants at Nguyen’s home and car. Investigators recovered a U-shaped rod, a metal plate welded to a pole, a balaclava, and a beanie.
Investigators also found gasoline, black powder, potassium nitrate, sulfur, explosive precursor chemicals, instructions for making black powder, and a firearm in Nguyen’s residence.
Investigators found a black hose, a neck gaiter, and a California license plate numbered 24876J1 in his car.
All of the recovered equipment, clothing, and the license plate matched what was used in the ATM bombing.
Faces up to 20 years in prison
Nguyen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, though his actual sentence will be determined by the court.
The charges in an indictment or complaint are accusations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
 announced December 4 that a California man pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting that he used an explosive to destroy a First Citizens Bank ATM in Rancho Bernardo in the summer of 2024.){kind=link}