A judge sentenced a man who participated in the November 2025 bombing of Piero’s Italian Cuisine to two to six years in prison Tuesday.
Court records show a sealed plea agreement was filed last month for John Navarro, 36. The November explosion damaged the entrance of the storied restaurant, which was featured in Martin Scorsese’s 1995 film “Casino.”
District Judge Crystal Eller said that based on the plea, Navarro was convicted of conspiracy to commit first-degree arson and manufacturing or possessing an explosive or incendiary device.
She said he would receive credit for the 10 months he has already spent behind bars while the case was pending.
Attorneys said they had agreed on Navarro’s prison sentence and Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Schwartzer confirmed after court that Eller followed the agreement.
Navarro was shown at the crime scene in video footage of the bombing, according to his attorney, Lukas McCourt.
Prosecutors have alleged in a filing that another defendant, Robert Schwieger, hired Phillip Gonzales, a co-defendant with Navarro, to bomb the restaurant and that Gonzales then recruited Navarro to execute the bombing.
A transcript of Schwieger’s grand jury hearing is sealed, but a defense filing indicates Gonzales testified at the hearing to reduce his own criminal exposure.
Prosecutors indicated Gonzales provided testimony about Schwieger’s role, including that Schwieger instructed him to burn the front of the restaurant on behalf of an unnamed associate.
Schwieger’s attorney, Tony Sgro, said “the quote-unquote evidence” against his client stems from people with an extensive criminal record.
“Their credibility is non-existent,” Sgro said. “There is zero credible evidence that exists that gives us any concern as to Mr. Schwieger’s involvement in anything related to what is now known as the Piero’s case.”
Piero’s general counsel, Sean Thueson, said in a letter read by the prosecutor that the bombing frightened staff and customers.
“It is our understanding that Mr. Navarro did not conceive of the plan or orchestrate this offense,” Thueson wrote. “We understand that he was recruited and used by others, individuals with greater culpability, who directed his conduct for their own purposes. We further understand that Mr. Navarro’s participation was driven not by malice toward Piero’s, its employees or guests, but by a financial need that made him vulnerable to be taken advantage of by those who actually designed and directed the offense.”
Navarro did not speak at the hearing, but defense attorney Lukas McCourt asked that the judge consider his client’s drug problem.
After court, McCourt said Navarro was exploited because of his drug addiction.
He also submitted letters of support from Navarro’s family members and a construction-supply company that plans to hire Navarro upon his release.
“He has worked long hours to provide for his family, demonstrating intelligence, skill, and genuine potential in his endeavors,” his mother Monica Navarro wrote. “However, despite his hard work and commitment to us, he has faced real struggles with substance abuse.”
Eller spoke encouragingly to Navarro.
“It sounds like if you can conquer this drug problem, which is never easy, that you’re going to be able to be there for your family, and they’re still backing you and still have faith in you, so that’s a lot,” she said.
Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com.
