Terry Lester’s Explosive Sex Toy Plot in Minnesota

In 2011, a shocking incident unfolded in Waseca, Minnesota, that grabbed headlines around the world. A man named Terry Allen Lester, aged 37, was arrested after authorities discovered he had turned a sex toy into a dangerous explosive device. His plan? To give it to one of his ex-girlfriends as a Christmas gift, with the intention of causing serious harm. The device, packed with gunpowder, BBs, and buckshot, was designed to detonate remotely via a hidden trigger mechanism. This chilling story of revenge, betrayal, and a bizarre plot is one that Phacts is diving into with all the details to uncover what happened, how it was discovered, and the aftermath.

A Disturbing Discovery on New Year’s Day

The story began on New Year’s Day 2011, when police officer Kari Kalow responded to a call about a civil matter at an apartment in Waseca, a small town about 70 miles south of Minneapolis. The call came from two women who had been sharing the apartment with Lester. The landlord had recently evicted him on New Year’s Eve after learning he was staying there without permission. When Lester left, he didn’t take all his belongings. Instead, he left behind several bags, one of which was labeled “Christmas Gifts” in black marker.

The women, suspicious of Lester’s intentions, decided to inspect the bags. What they found was alarming. Inside the container marked “Christmas Gifts,” there were sex toys, but one stood out. A black vibrator had been modified in a dangerous way. It contained gunpowder, BBs, and buckshot from shotgun shells, all wired to a trigger hidden in the battery compartment. Although no battery was inside, the setup suggested a deadly plan. Lester had reportedly told one of the women about his intentions, which made them uneasy enough to contact the police immediately.

The Explosive Device: A Closer Look

The modified sex toy was no ordinary object. Investigators found that Lester had carefully packed it with explosive materials. Gunpowder, BBs, and buckshot were stuffed inside, connected by black and red wires to a trigger mechanism crafted from parts of a cordless drill. The setup was designed to be remotely activated, with Lester allegedly claiming he could “pull the trigger” to detonate the device while it was in use. The absence of a battery meant the device wasn’t fully operational, but the intent was clear: this was meant to cause serious injury or worse.

Police also found tools, cords, cables, and a small toolkit in the apartment, along with two other sex toys. One of them, a pink vibrator, had the words “Merry X-mas Bitch” written on it in black ink, hinting at the personal vendetta behind the plot. The discovery of these items suggested Lester might have been planning to create more than one explosive device, possibly targeting multiple ex-girlfriends.

The Bloomington Bomb Squad Steps In

Given the dangerous nature of the device, Waseca Police Sergeant Scott Girtler didn’t take any chances. He called in the Bloomington Bomb Squad, a specialized unit trained to handle explosives. Two hours later, the squad arrived and carefully inspected the device. They used X-ray technology to examine its contents before dismantling it to ensure it was safe. The bomb squad confirmed the presence of gunpowder and projectiles, verifying that the device was indeed intended to be an explosive weapon.

The professionalism of the bomb squad and the quick response from the Waseca police prevented a potential tragedy. But the question remained: why would someone go to such extreme lengths to harm an ex-partner?

A Motive Rooted in Revenge

Investigators soon learned that Lester’s actions were driven by personal grudges. According to the criminal complaint, he had planned to give the explosive device to one of three ex-girlfriends, all of whom he had ended relationships with on bad terms. Lester reportedly told one of the women he lived with that he wanted to “blow them up” by triggering the device during use. This chilling statement revealed a deep-seated anger and a desire for revenge.

Lester’s relationships with these women had ended poorly, and he seemed to believe this dangerous act would settle the score. His decision to label the container “Christmas Gifts” added a sinister twist, as it suggested he intended to disguise the deadly device as a holiday present, banking on the recipient’s trust or curiosity to open it.

The Legal Consequences

Lester was arrested and faced serious charges: felony counts of creating an explosive or incendiary device and making terroristic threats. If convicted, he could have faced up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $20,000. The charges reflected the severity of his actions, as the device, even without a battery, posed a significant threat to human life.

In February 2011, Lester pleaded not guilty, claiming the device wasn’t his. However, the evidence was stacked against him. The tools, additional sex toys, and his own statements to his roommates painted a clear picture of his involvement. By May 2011, Lester reached a plea agreement. He agreed to plead guilty to the charge of creating an explosive device in exchange for the terroristic threats charge being dropped.

In October 2011, a judge sentenced Lester to a 45-month prison term, but the sentence was stayed, meaning he didn’t serve immediate jail time. Instead, he was placed on probation for 10 years. The court also noted that Lester’s prior criminal history, which included domestic assault and drunk driving, could be used against him if he violated probation terms. This lenient outcome sparked debate about whether justice was fully served, given the dangerous nature of his plan.

How the Plan Fell Apart

Lester’s scheme might have gone unnoticed if not for a series of fortunate events. First, his eviction from the apartment forced him to leave his belongings behind. Second, his decision to tell one of the women about his plans raised red flags. Had he kept quiet, the women might not have inspected the bags or contacted the police. Finally, the absence of a battery in the device meant it wasn’t immediately functional, though it’s unclear whether this was intentional or an oversight.

The women’s quick thinking and the police’s swift response were crucial in stopping the plot before it could harm anyone. Their actions turned what could have been a tragic headline into a story of prevention and justice.

The Public’s Reaction

News of Lester’s arrest spread like wildfire, not just in Minnesota but across the globe. Headlines in publications like the Toronto Sun, London’s The Sun, and The Village Voice captured the shocking nature of the story. Some called it the “worst Christmas gift ever,” while others focused on the dangerous creativity of the plot. Social media platforms, though less widespread in 2011, buzzed with reactions, with some users making dark jokes about the “explosive” nature of the gift.

The story also sparked discussions about revenge and the lengths people might go to when relationships end badly. It served as a grim reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into dangerous territory if left unchecked.

Lessons from the Incident

This bizarre case highlights several important lessons. First, it underscores the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. The women who contacted the police likely saved lives by acting quickly. Second, it shows the value of trained professionals like the Bloomington Bomb Squad, who handled the situation with expertise and care. Finally, it’s a stark reminder that unresolved anger can lead to harmful actions, and seeking help or healthier ways to cope is always the better path.

For anyone reading this, the story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of holding onto grudges. It also emphasizes the need to stay vigilant and trust your instincts when something feels off.

Why This Story Still Matters

Years later, the story of the Minnesota man arrested for modifying a sex toy into an explosive device remains a chilling example of how far some will go to exact revenge. It’s a tale that blends betrayal, danger, and a twisted sense of creativity, making it unforgettable. At Phacts, we believe in digging into stories like this to uncover the truth and share lessons that resonate today.

The incident also raises questions about how we handle conflict and the importance of mental health support. While Lester’s actions were extreme, they reflect a broader truth: unresolved emotions can lead to destructive choices. By sharing this story, Phacts hopes to spark conversations about healthier ways to move forward after heartbreak.

Join the Phacts Community

What do you think about this shocking case? Have you come across other stories where personal grudges led to dangerous outcomes? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s start a conversation. If you enjoyed diving into this wild tale, subscribe to Phacts for more gripping, fact-based stories delivered straight to your inbox at phactsblog.com. Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest intriguing tales, and share this article with friends who love a good true-crime story. At Phacts, we’re all about uncovering the truth—join us on this journey!

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