Napa Man Convicted For Possessing Explosive Materials Previously Served Time For Having Pipe Bombs

NAPA VALLEY, CA — A Napa man who served prison time for having pipe bombs was convicted Friday on separate charges for possessing materials to make explosive devices.

A Napa jury convicted Justin Chapman Fisher, 32, of felony possession of materials with the intent of making an explosive device and conspiracy to commit a crime, authorities said.

Fisher's request to avoid prosecution by participating in mental health treatment was denied.

The verdict marks Fisher’s second conviction of felony charges linked to explosive devices, according to the Napa County District Attorney's Office.

A Napa Superior Court judge in March 2020 found Fisher guilty of five felony counts related to the possession of an explosive device, methamphetamine, heroin, and the transportation of a machine gun. He was released in 2024 and went to work as a lab manager at local business.

Employees discovered Fisher had purchased several chemicals with the company credit card that weren’t needed as part of the company's normal course of business, according to court records.

Napa County Sheriff’s deputies obtained and served a search warrant on Fisher’s Napa residence and a storage unit in his name. During the search, the deputies found instructions on how to make explosives along with a supply of bomb-making materials.

Bomb squads from Napa and Sonoma County Sheriff’s Departments contributed to the arrest of Fisher.

Fisher’s jury trial lasted five days and was prosecuted by Napa County Deputy District Attorney Ian McNear.

Fisher's sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30.