Mastermind of San Diego courthouse bombing gets 55-year sentence

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The mastermind behind a bizarre scheme that led to the bombing of the San Diego federal courthouse in 2008 has been sentenced to 55 years in prison.

Donny Love Sr., 44, was sentenced Friday after being convicted by a federal jury in June. Two co-defendants had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison and a third co-defendant to 11 years.

Love, who was living in Menifee in Riverside County, orchestrated the bombing in hopes of obtaining reward money by providing information leading to the arrest of the three others, including a former girlfriend, according to court testimony.

Days after the bombing, Love called the FBI and offered information in exchange for $75,000. He also wanted help in gaining leniency on a pending six-year prison sentence on a robbery conviction, according to evidence presented at his trial.

Love was not present when two pounds of explosive powder was placed near the doors of the courthouse May 4, 2008. The 1:40 a.m. explosion blew out the doors and sent shrapnel and nails flying in all directions. No one was hurt.

Love’s sentence ‘ensures that the defendant will never again be able to endanger the lives of the citizens of our community,’ U.S. Atty. Laura Duffy said.

Love was convicted of using a weapon of mass destruction and related charges.

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego