Hastings Man Charged in Explosive Threat

Authorities have charged a Hastings man whose DNA was allegedly found on an explosive found near a Hastings elementary school last winter.

57-year old John Allan Lee was charged last week with one count of possessing an explosive device in Dakota County Court after a resident called police in February 2023, to report she had found what she believed to be an explosive device.  

The Hastings Police Department and St. Paul Bomb Squad responded. The FBI was called in and they determined the device was a functioning "improvised explosive device" or IED.

According to the complaint, DNA was found on it belonging to Lee. 

Bond for Lee was set at $100,000 with conditions. His next court appearance is in September.