A New York man who was injured when a package exploded near his mailbox was targeted after confronting his mother’s caretaker over stolen money, authorities said Wednesday.
Three people are in custody and are being arraigned on first degree assault charges in connection with the May 29 bombing at the Floyd, New York, home of Alan Dobransky, according to Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara. He said there could be additional charges, including attempted murder.
Dobransky, 53, remains in critical condition at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse with burns over 50% of his body after opening the explosive package, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol said.
A neighbor told CNN affiliate WKTV the explosion sounded like “two cars hitting head-on.”
Officials said Cindy Shields, 56, from Conneaut, Ohio, was the caretaker for Dobransky’s mother, and Shields was allegedly stealing money from Dobransky’s mother for four years.
Dobransky confronted Shields, saying he was going to report the thefts to authorities. Keith Seppi, 58, his wife, Donna Seppi, 61, and Shields, Keith Seppi’s sister-in-law, then conspired to plant the bomb in Dobransky’s mailbox, officials said.
Investigators would not describe the specifics of the explosive device.
Judge Christopher Clarkin set bail for each defendant at $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond. He said they have been assigned attorneys and will have preliminary hearings on June 13.
Gregg Starczewski, who is representing Shields, said he does not have all the discovery materials at this point.
“I’m just trying to get a grasp on what’s going on,” Starczewski said.
Starczewski said he may opt to waive the felony hearing on Monday. In the event that this happens, Shields’ case would go to a grand jury indictment.
Luke Nebush, assigned to represent Keith Seppi, is prohibited from commenting at this time, according to Oneida County Chief Public Defender Frank Nebush.
“We don’t know anything about it outside of the arraignment at this point,” Frank Nebush said.
Michelle DeTraglia, representing Donna Seppi, declined to comment.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New York State Police, the Utica Police Department, the NYS Department of Corrections and several federal agencies.
“I commend state, local and federal investigators for their diligent work and tireless pursuit of justice that resulted in three arrests connected to the exploding package that seriously injured Alan Dobransky in Floyd, Oneida County, on May 29,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
Cuomo visited Dobransky, a state employee, in the hospital last week.
“My thoughts and prayers remain with Mr. Dobransky, a 26-year DOCCS employee and retired member of the New York Air National Guard, and his family during this difficult time. I join all New Yorkers in wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”
Dobransky’s employment as a New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision officer at Marcy Correctional Facility was not a factor in the explosion, Maciol said.