A former California police officer who was previously under investigation for an arson fire on federal land in Sonoma County is now facing a slew of additional charges related to explosives and drug possession, according to authorities.
Petaluma Man Booked on Explosives and Drug Charges
Gregory Klemme, 43, of Petaluma, was taken into custody and booked into the Sonoma County Jail on Thursday.
He faces multiple felony charges, including possession of destructive devices, possession of materials for manufacturing such devices, and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to a press release from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said Klemme’s bail has been enhanced to $1 million.
Search Uncovers Explosives, Controlled Substances
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the county’s bomb squad, executed a search warrant at Klemme’s residence on the 1200 block of Kresky Way. During the search, law enforcement discovered several pounds of explosive precursor chemicals, three completed explosive devices, and drug-related materials, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The arrest follows an investigation led by Cal Fire, in which Klemme was arrested earlier that week in connection with the arson of Bureau of Land Management land on Pine Flat Road in Sonoma County. Investigators said evidence recovered from the scene was linked to homemade explosives.
Former Law Enforcement Background
Klemme is a former Stockton police officer and had also worked as a Brinks security guard. In 2009, while working for Brinks, he was robbed at gunpoint during a delivery of nearly $100,000 in cash to a Sebastopol bank.
The suspect in that case was later identified as a former Santa Rosa police officer and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a string of North Bay bank robberies, including the Sebastopol incident.
Investigation Ongoing
As of now, Klemme remains in custody and the investigation into his activities—spanning arson, explosives manufacturing, and drug possession—is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies have not yet confirmed whether additional charges will be filed.
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