Cunha Admits to 41 Felonies in Explosives Case Spanning Two Counties
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A multiagency investigation into explosive devices discovered across El Dorado and Sacramento counties has resulted in a significant prosecution, with Benjamin Edward Cunha pleading no contest to all 41 felony counts filed against him.
The plea was entered Oct. 30, 2026, in Department 2 of the El Dorado County Superior Court before Judge Thomas Smith. Cunha also admitted all special allegations and sentencing enhancements, including a prior strike conviction stemming from a 2008 arson case.
He faces a potential sentence of more than 80 years in state prison.
According to a joint statement from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the court accepted Cunha’s plea as an open plea. That means there was no negotiated plea bargain or agreed-upon sentence. The judge will determine the appropriate punishment after considering the charges, prior convictions and sentencing enhancements.
Cunha also has a prior federal arson conviction dating to 2013.
41 Felony Counts Stem From 41 Reported Incidents Across Two Counties
The charges originate from a series of incidents between December 2022 and January 2024. Investigators identified 41 incidents across the two-county region: 18 in El Dorado County and 23 in Sacramento County.
The prosecution involves several categories of alleged criminal conduct related to explosive devices, firearms and child endangerment.
The 41 felony counts break down as follows:
Use of destructive devices and explosives — 15 counts
Fifteen counts charge the use of a destructive device or explosive to injure or destroy property under California Penal Code section 18740.
Prosecutors alleged Cunha exploded and ignited devices with the intent to injure, intimidate or terrify individuals and wrongfully damage property.
The property identified in the allegations included vehicles, trees, light poles and a fire hydrant. Each of these 15 charges is classified as a serious felony.
Possession of destructive devices where people were present — 8 counts
Seven counts involve possession of destructive devices in or near public places under Penal Code section 18715(a)(5).
An additional count involves possession at a private habitation under section 18715(a)(3).
Possession of explosives without permits — 10 counts
Ten counts involve possession of destructive devices without a permit issued by the California Department of Justice, under Penal Code section 18710(a).
Possession of explosive-making ingredients — 4 counts
Four counts charge possession of ingredients used to manufacture destructive devices under Penal Code section 18720.
Firearm possession by a convicted felon — 3 counts
Three counts charge possession of a firearm by a convicted felon under Penal Code section 29800(a)(1).
Child endangerment — 1 count
One count charges child endangerment under circumstances likely to produce great bodily harm or death, under Penal Code section 273a(a).
Together, these charges account for all 41 felony counts to which Cunha pleaded no contest.
Multiagency Investigation Crossed County Lines
The investigation required cooperation among several law enforcement agencies because the incidents extended beyond El Dorado County’s jurisdiction.
Participating agencies included:
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El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
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California Highway Patrol
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Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
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Federal Bureau of Investigation
The investigation ultimately brought the case before El Dorado County prosecutors and Superior Court.
The January 2024 arrest followed an investigation into improvised explosive devices reportedly placed alongside roads and highways in multiple locations throughout El Dorado and Sacramento counties. At the time, authorities described an extensive operation involving search warrants and explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
The case illustrates the importance of coordination between local, state and federal agencies when criminal investigations cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Pierson: Community Safety Was at Stake
El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson credited the participating agencies for their work and emphasized the potential danger posed by the conduct admitted to by Cunha.
“The safety of our community is our highest priority. I am grateful to every agency that worked on this investigation for their dedication and professionalism,” Pierson said.
Pierson added that the conduct placed people throughout the region at risk.
“I hope he spends a very long time in prison and serves the full sentence the court imposes, without being released early.”
His comments reflect the prosecution’s position that the conduct warranted the most substantial sentence available under California law.
Sheriff Leikauf Credits Law Enforcement Cooperation
El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf also praised the cooperation among the agencies involved in the investigation.
Leikauf said the outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies working together across California.
“The men and women of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to protecting the members of our communities and working alongside our allied law enforcement partners in the pursuit of justice.”
He specifically thanked investigators and prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and Sheriff’s Office for their extensive work.
Leikauf also underscored the potential consequences of the explosive devices, saying the actions could easily have cost innocent people their lives.
Sentencing Scheduled for January 29, 2027
The case now moves to the sentencing phase.
Cunha is scheduled to return to El Dorado County Superior Court on Jan. 29, 2027, in Department 2 before Judge Thomas Smith for judgment and sentencing.
Prosecutors have announced they will ask the court to impose the maximum sentence permitted under the law.
With the open plea, there is no negotiated sentencing agreement limiting the judge’s discretion. The court will determine the final sentence after considering the 41 felony counts, admitted enhancements and prior convictions.
The potential sentence exceeds 80 years in state prison.
For residents of El Dorado County, the case represents the conclusion of a lengthy investigation involving alleged explosive-device activity in communities across the county and neighboring Sacramento County.
It also demonstrates the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies when public safety threats extend beyond county boundaries.
The final chapter of the prosecution will be written in the courtroom on Jan. 29, when the judge determines how long Cunha will remain behind bars.
