Two Men Avoid Jail Time for Harvard Medical School Firework Explosion
Two Massachusetts men, Logan David Patterson, 19, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 21, have avoided jail time after pleading guilty to setting off fireworks inside an empty Harvard Medical School building. The incident, which occurred last year, involved the pair breaking into the Goldenson Building, setting off a firework before dawn, and then fleeing. Federal officials stated that the explosion caused significant property damage and public alarm, leading to a large law enforcement response. Despite the seriousness of the act, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley sentenced them to three years of probation, 300 hours of community service, and a fine of $28,517 to be paid jointly. The judge denied the government's request for six months of home confinement, believing the harsh consequences of the conviction were sufficient deterrent. Neither defendant had a prior criminal record. Their lawyer described the incident as 'mischief that went way out of control,' emphasizing it was not a terrorist attack.
