Terry Allen Lester, 37, has been charged with felony counts of creating an explosive device and making terroristic threats. (credit: Waseca County)
Reporting Esme Murphy
WASECA, Minn. (WCCO) — A Waseca man is accused of planting an explosive device inside a sex toy intended for one of his ex-girlfriends.
According to the criminal complaint, 37-year-old Terry Allen Lester has been charged with felony counts of creating an explosive device and making terroristic threats.
WEB EXTRA: Read The Criminal Complaint (.PDF)
The incident was reported on New Year’s Day. Authorities said Lester had been staying with the apparent intended victim and another woman.
He had been forced to leave the apartment by the landlord but left behind bags, one of which contained a container marked “Christmas Gifts.”
Lester allegedly mentioned to one of the two roommates his intentions, so they reported their suspicions about the bags to police.
The criminal complaint says police found a sex toy inside the package that had been modified with gun powder and buck shot, which were connected to a trigger inside the battery port.
Authorities say Lester planned on giving the sex toy to one of three women he had previously been involved with where the relationship ended poorly. Materials were found suggesting he intended to make two other similar devices.
Lester told friends that “he would pull the trigger and it would blow them up.”
Police say the device was missing a key starting element, but it still could have exploded.
“Any time you mix electronics, gun powder and BBs, we need to make sure it is rendered safe and doesn’t harm anyone,” said Capt. Kris Markeson.
The bizarre plot has startled those who live in Waseca.
Lester has been a long-time customer at Lindner’s Liquor.
“I am in total shock. I could not believe it when I read it for sure. He has always been nice when he has come into the store,” Owner Tae Borne said.
Lester told police the bomb wasn’t his. He has been taken into custody and faces up to 10 years in jail, if convicted.
WCCO-TV’s Esme Murphy Reports
