District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said the cases highlight the ongoing danger posed by illegal explosives.
Los Angeles County prosecutors are stepping up enforcement against illegal fireworks and explosives ahead of the July 4 holiday, filing charges in multiple large-scale cases as officials warn of the deadly risks.
In one of the biggest seizures, authorities recovered approximately 75 tons (150,000 pounds) of mortar-style fireworks from a storage unit in Gardena following an anonymous tip, the District Attorney’s Office said.
On June 23, four men were charged with possessing 8,500 pounds of illegal commercial fireworks and homemade explosive devices found in a storage facility in East Los Angeles. In South Los Angeles, four family members were charged June 16 after more than 5,000 pounds of fireworks were discovered inside a residence that included a child.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said the cases highlight the ongoing danger posed by illegal explosives.
“These devices can kill people, causing devastating injuries and destroying entire neighborhoods,” Hochman said. “Celebrations with illegal fireworks are not harmless entertainment.”
The charges include felony counts of possession of explosives near a public place and possession of large quantities of fireworks. Some defendants also face child abuse charges for allegedly endangering minors. Convictions could result in prison sentences ranging from several years to more than 17 years.
