2 Planted Explosives In Philly Wawa During Floyd Unrest: Feds

PHILADELPHIA — A man and woman from Philadelphia have been hit with federal charges after authorities said they planted explosive devices inside a Philadelphia Wawa store during unrest surrounding the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said Michael Fields, 34, and Desiree Adorno, 65, both of Philadelphia, were arrested and charged by Indictment for their alleged attempt to rob a Wawa in Philadelphia with multiple explosive devices.

The two are accused of conspiring with others to break into a Wawa store on Richmond Street in Philadelphia in early June 2020.

In addition to stealing merchandise from the store, the indictment alleges that Fields and Adorno placed an explosive device inside a lottery machine inside the Wawa, and also put two others near a safe and a cash register in the middle of the store.

Police arrived at the store before any devices were detonated.

Both Fields and Adorno are charged with conspiracy and attempting to maliciously damage property used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive, and aiding and abetting. Fields was also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm.

If convicted, Fields faces a maximum possible sentence of 90 years in prison, and Adorno faces a maximum possible sentence of 80 years in prison.