100+ Homemade Bombs Found In Morris Co. Home, Prosecutors Say

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County man was arrested this week after police found more than 100 homemade bombs "capable of massive destruction" in his home, police said.

Joseph Rizos, 37, of Denville, faces several charges after a sweep of his home found dozens of homemade explosives, or HMEs, officials said.

On Tuesday, investigators executed a search warrant at Rizos' residence on Avondale Road in Denville. Moments before the sweep, Rizos was pulled over in his car and detained.

Authorities discovered a laboratory in Rizos' home where he kept "a cache" of explosive materials, as well as blasting caps, cell phones, and various firearms and ammunition, police say.

In a shed outside his home, investigators found around 109 HME stashed away, police added.

The discovery prompted officials to evacuate the immediate area.

Authorities launched an investigation into Rizos in March. Investigators believe he's been running a destructive device
manufacturing operation since 2025.

Rizos was arrested and charged with recklessly risking widespread injury/damage, as well as four counts of possession of destructive devices.

"We recognize that matters of national significance are transpiring in Northern New Jersey right now, and that
this arrest may prompt speculation and concern," Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said. "Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, law enforcement cannot discuss additional details at this time, such as the defendant’s intent. More will be reported to the public at the appropriate time.”