2 Mass. men face federal charge in the weekend explosion at Harvard Medical School

Two Massachusetts men appeared before a judge in Boston's federal courthouse Tuesday afternoon, accused of being involved with a weekend explosion at Harvard Medical School.

They were identified as 18-year-old Logan David Patterson, of Plymouth, and 20-year-old Dominick Frank Cardoza, of Bourne, according to a press release. They are charged with one count of conspiracy to damage by means of an explosive, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

A "roman candle" firework, or large commercial firework, placed inside a wooden locker in the Goldenson Building on the medical school campus caused the explosion early Saturday, a press release stated. There were no injuries and minimal damage to property.

At an initial court appearance, both men were escorted into a federal courtroom in handcuffs.

"Mr. Patterson and Mr. Cardoza, this is a very serious charge and you are going to be released," said Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges, adding she hoped they used this time "to do some positive things."

They were released from detention on certain conditions, like staying away from Harvard and "any associated buildings." Seated beside their attorneys, the defendants spoke only a few words to the judge to communicate they understood their rights.

After the hearing, Stefan Rozembersky, the attorney for Cardoza, said the charge reflects "a seemingly significant overcharge here by the feds."

"This is a simple case of property damage," he said.

Rozembersky said he could not comment on the motive.

At an earlier news conference Tuesday at the courthouse, Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said "it's just too early right now for us to speculate" on a motive.

But she added this was "an isolated incident" and that there is no further risk to the Harvard community or public.

" It took an immense amount of law enforcement resources to determine quickly that there was no continuing threat to the surrounding community," Foley said.

FBI Special Agent Ted Docks said at the news conference the explosion "had the potential to cause significant injury to anyone nearby."

The building houses labs and offices associated with the school’s neurobiology department. An officer who responded to a fire alarm that morning encountered two people running from the building, university police said.

"But only by sheer luck and because of a rapid response of first responders, no lives were lost. No one was injured," Docks added. The press release said the men were visiting nearby Wentworth College for Halloween parties.

The next court hearing for the defendants is scheduled for Nov. 24.

Michael Casey and Leah Willingham of The Associated Press contributed reporting.