Man found with explosives pleads not guilty
A Costa Mesa man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony charges that he posessed the makings of explosives.
Baylor Maggenti, 66, had materials commonly used to make pipe bombs, prosecutors said.
He has been charged with felony counts of intent to unlawfully make a destructive device, possession of a short-barreled shotgun and possession of an assault weapon.
He faces up to five years and four months in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors allege Maggenti kept explosive powder, galvanized pipes, fuses and other items at his Whittier Avenue home and wood-working business.
Costa Mesa police arrested Maggenti on Monday and stressed that no completed explosives were discovered.
A Facebook profile for a Costa Mesa resident named Baylor Maggenti shows a photo of a man, apparently Maggenti, dressed in military fatigues in a trench dated July 1967.
On that page, Maggenti calls President Obama an “evil child” and in several posts urges people to vote for Mitt Romney. He also posted thoughts on Christianity, announcing Nov. 8, “I brought my first to Christ ... “.
The last post, dated Nov. 19, says the actions of former CIA Director David Petraeus set humankind back 50 years.
Police would not say whether Maggenti made any statements to police about his intent or reason why he would have such materials. Police also would not disclose the amount of materials Maggenti was allegedly in possession of.
Maggenti is next expected in court Dec. 28. His bail remained set at $150,000.
Twitter: @lawilliams30