Many of us have set them off. Most are aware they are more than simple fireworks and are under many circumstances illegal. ATF say they are inherently dangerous.

Three people in our area now face federal charges for allegedly dealing in M-80s and other explosive materials without a federal explosives license.

 

U.S. Attorney for Kansas Barry Grissom on Thursday announced the indictment of Joseph E. Quinn, 45, Parkville, Mo., Patrick E. Quinn, 40, Kansas City, Kan., and Stacy L. Sewell, 41, Kansas City, Kan. Each is charged with one count of dealing in explosive materials without a license. In addition, Joseph E. Quinn is charged with one count of distributing explosive materials to another person without a license. The crimes are alleged to have occurred July 4, 2012, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

In a fact sheet on illegal explosives devices released in March, 2012, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives stated: “Illegal explosive devices are often manufactured and used during the Fourth of July fireworks season. Due to their explosive material composition and unpredictability, they are inherently dangerous during their manufacture, transportation and use. Homemade explosive materials and products can pose a particular risk for injury since the persons manufacturing the devices often lack the knowledge, skills and experience required for such activities. Law enforcement agencies consider explosive devices such as M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, cherry bombs, silver salutes and other similar devices illegal because they exceed the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner’s explosives weight limits for consumer fireworks.”