Accused bomb-maker’s attorney wants court to delay burning of home

Reporting from San Diego — An attorney for accused bomb-maker George Jakubec is set to go to federal court Wednesday to seek a delay in the planned burning Thursday of Jakubec’s home where authorities found massive amounts of explosive materials.

Attorney Michael Berg said burning the home just outside the Escondido city limits should be delayed so that evidence that might help his client can be collected from inside.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has tentatively set 9 a.m. Thursday for a plan to torch the home to destroy the dangerous materials inside. Neighbors are being warned to evacuate and plans are to shut down a portion of nearby Interstate 15.

Jakubec, 54, an unemployed software consultant, remains in federal jail in downtown San Diego on federal bank robbery and bomb-making charges. He has pleaded not guilty. He was arrested Nov. 18 after a gardener was injured by an explosion in the home’s backyard.

Officials have said burning the home is the best alternative to protecting the neighborhood from the danger from the materials, which are the same used by bomb-making terrorists. Burning is expected to take one to three hours.