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Prosecutors charge two suspects in Templeton Feed and Grain arson fire

May 21, 2026

By KAREN VELIE

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against  two people on Wednesday regarding the July 4, 2025 arson fire that destroyed the historical Templeton Feed and Grain, District Attorney Dan Dow announced on Thursday.

Michael Joseph Steele, 38, 0f Morro Bay is accused of driving a 16-year-old boy to Bakersfield to purchase the illegal fireworks that destroyed the Templeton Feed and Grain building. Steele is facing six counts of criminal conduct arising from his role in assisting the juvenile in finding, purchasing, and transporting illegal fireworks and explosive devices to San Luis Obispo County.

Michael Joseph Steele

Steele posted a $200,000 bond and remains out of custody.

Steele’s charges include child endangerment, possession of ingredients to make a destructive device or explosive, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unaltered dangerous fireworks with a gross weight of less than 25 pounds, possession of dangerous fireworks, and possession and storage of unregistered fireworks.

The teen arsonist allegedly launched fireworks onto the roof of Templeton Feed and Grain, destroying the granary and damaging the retail structure. He is facing charges of arson of a structure, possession of the ingredients to make a destructive device or explosive, possession of unaltered dangerous fireworks with a gross weight of less than 25 pounds and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Both suspects are scheduled for arraignments on June 4, one in SLO County Superior Court and the other in juvenile court.

The white concrete building, photo by Richard Bastian

“The illegal use of explosive devices and fireworks puts lives at risk, destroys irreplaceable property, and tears at the fabric of our communities,” Dow said. ” The Templeton Feed and Grain fire is a powerful and painful example of the real and lasting harm that results from this type of reckless and unlawful behavior. Every person who participates in obtaining, possessing, transporting, or using illegal explosives or fireworks will be held accountable.”

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14 Comments

I’m sorry, but the video I saw had three juveniles. Did they catch the other 2?


1

Continue to support the Jermin family by going to Templeton Feed and Grain on the north end of Ramada Drive. They have great prices on dog food, cat food, chicken food, wildbird seed etc. Their staff is always efficient and friendly. Also, support Hewitt’s Hardware in downtown Templeton. They have everything! These families have been the backbone of our community for generations. BUY FROM SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES!!


14

Creepy adult….ewe….holdem…responsible! Good job FD and SLO S.O!


16

Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Parents of the juvenile should be held accountable, as well. Thank you to the SLO County Sheriff department and the D.A. office for the efforts to bring justice for the situation.


A family lost several generations’ livelihood, and Templeton lost a historic building. Templeton Fire had to bring in outside agencies to help fight the fire, which burned for days. Despite this senseless act, the community has come together to support the Jermin family.


I have lived in Templeton for 37 years, the alleged arsonist, Mr. Steele, is identified as living in Morro Bay. It would appear that he does not care about other’s personal property or the members of another community. As I mentioned, this needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.


18

I’m really glad they are charging the adult who obtained the illegal fireworks. Adults need to be accountable when they aid minors in committing crimes. Hopefully there will be civil lawsuits filed against Mr. Steele and the teenagers parents. Does anyone know who this Steele dude is?


35

Mr. Steele has prior arrests from approximately 4 years ago. Public record and published in the Atascadero News (online): https://atowndailynews.com/atascadero-arrest-records-for-july-18-to-24/65688/


4

I’m so tired of fireworks in my neighborhood. I wish people would spend time in jail for launching these pyrotechnic bombs into the air. They are extremely dangerous and should be a law enforcement top priority during New Years and the Fourth. If the sheriff could saturate neighborhoods (like Galaxy mobile home park in Nipomo) on a rotational basis, and hand out some serious fines, that would be a great deterrent.


5

There is a big difference between illegal fireworks and the safe and sane fireworks that is legal in Templeton. If safe and sane fireworks is outlawed it will just increase the use of illegal fireworks. In our Templeton neighborhood families have a great time safely and responsibly celebrating the 4th. LE needs to be much more vigilant about arresting, prosecuting and imposing fines and serious punishment for the use of illegal fireworks.


-2

You have to punish this harshly or it will happen again… people need to know if they break the law in this way and damages another’s property a severe punishment awaits them…


38

Great work by our Sheriff’s department and our DA’s office, both led by strong, competent individuals!


55

Ok. A 38 year old dude and a kid less than half his age. What’s the deal here?


33

The “38 year old dude” could be a family member, won’t know until the juvenile’s name is released.


19

That’s why I asked, kaya. We don’t need a name to offer a relationship.


15

CA is all about protecting the criminal over the victim, even more so when one of the criminals is a juvenile.


29