Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice | Official Website
A man from Everett, Washington, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for using a pipe bomb to destroy a neighbor’s car and for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Steven Goldstine, 55, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to three federal felonies: unlawful possession of a destructive device, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
At the sentencing hearing in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Judge John H. Chun described the case as involving “serious and quite frankly horrifying conduct.” He added, “Add in the racist statements it is disgusting conduct.”
According to court records, on December 31, 2024, Everett Police responded to an explosion at an apartment complex parking lot. The victims reported that they suspected Goldstine due to prior conflicts. The day after the explosion, Goldstine left them a voicemail containing racial slurs and references to the incident. Video surveillance from the area helped investigators connect Goldstine to clothing found at his home.
Goldstine was also convicted for illegal possession of more than 700 rounds of ammunition seized during a search of his home after the bombing. He was prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition because of previous felony convictions for burglary, arson, and possession of stolen property. In September 2020, law enforcement searched his residence after he pointed a gun at protestors; that incident was captured on video and led to the seizure of another firearm.
Prosecutors requested a sentence of 78 months and wrote that “Goldstine has a deeply troubling history of violence, dating back to several serious convictions for arson in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Violence has remained a consistent part of his life over the past five years, from assaulting a neighbor and fighting with police in 2019, to pointing a gun at protestors in 2020 to making death threats on YouTube in 2022…to bombing (the victim’s) car at the end of December 2024.”
After serving his prison term, Goldstine will be under supervised release for three years; one year will include electronic location monitoring.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated: “Fueled by hatred for a neighbor’s race, the defendant used a pipe bomb to cause an explosion and destroy property. This sentence reflects the Department of Justice’s steadfast commitment to vigorously prosecute racially motivated crimes and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said: “This defendant turned his racial hatred into a potentially deadly explosion, using a pipe bomb to blow up a car. Not everything is a hate crime, but we believe this defendant acted on racial hatred,” adding that “after the bombing he called the victims to gloat, leaving a message with racial slurs.”
Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of FBI Seattle commented: “After years of hateful and violent behavior, Mr. Goldstine is now being sentenced for exploding his neighbors’ car, bragging about it, and leaving an offensive message for the victims.” He noted that no one was injured but emphasized ongoing vigilance against such acts.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson of ATF Seattle said: “No one should fear violence based on their beliefs or identity, and terror motivated by hate will not be tolerated.” He highlighted law enforcement’s commitment to investigating hate-fueled violence.
Everett Police Chief John DeRousse thanked federal partners for their collaboration: “The violence and hatred behind this crime had no place in Everett...The victim in this incident showed resilience...We are grateful for...the FBI, ATF, and U.S. Attorney’s Office that ultimately brought accountability.”
The investigation involved Everett Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF); FBI; with assistance from Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M. Manca (Western District of Washington) and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne (Justice Department Civil Rights Division) prosecuted the case.
