Man accused of buying fireworks used in Templeton Feed & Grain fire enters plea
The man accused of helping a teenager acquire the fireworks that burned down the Templeton Feed & Grain pleaded not guilty to the crimes on Thursday.
Michael Joseph Steele, 38, of Morro Bay faces charges for allegedly traveling to Bakersfield with a 16-year-old boy from San Luis Obispo County to purchase illegal fireworks between June 22, 2025, and July 5, 2025.
The teenager, whose name will not be released by the District Attorney’s Office given he is a juvenile, is accused of igniting the fire that destroyed the historic building on July 4, 2025, with the fireworks.
After the fire, the granary had to be demolished, but the owners are rebuilding the storefront after raising $455,000 from the community.
Steele is charged with felony child endangerment, felony possession of ingredients to make a destructive device or explosive, felony conspiracy to commit a crime, misdemeanor possession of unaltered fireworks with a gross weight of less than 25 pounds, misdemeanor possession of dangerous fireworks and misdemeanor possession and storage of unregistered fireworks.
The teenager’s charges include felony arson, felony possession of ingredients to make a destructive device or explosive, misdemeanor possession of unaltered dangerous fireworks with a gross weight of less than 25 pounds and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Wednesday was Steele’s second court appearance for further arraignment in his case. He first appeared on June 4 when District Attorney’s Office prosecutors requested a protective order be filed against Steele “for the child” and that Steele not be allowed to have fireworks. Court records show the order was filed and served.
He remained out of custody between the hearings after posting a $200,000 bail through a bail bond. He will remain posted on bail.
Steele is expected back in court for his next hearing scheduled on Aug. 17 in Department 5 of the SLO County Superior Court.
