MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County man who was maintaining a homemade bomb lab has been slapped with federal charges, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Joseph Rizos, 37, of Denville, is charged with one count of unlawful receipt of explosive materials; one count of unlawful storage of explosive material; and one count of unlawful possession of plastic explosives without a detection agent.
Authorities said that for the last six years, Rizos bought several explosive materials and other items, including "fuels, fuses, precursor chemicals, and laboratory equipment," online. Rizos illegally stored these items at his home on Avondale Road in Denville, officials added.
On June 24, investigators executed a search warrant at Rizos' residence. 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 April 2020.
Federal officials have not disclosed any motive Rizos might have had while allegedly manufacturing the bombs.
If convicted, he faces up to 21 years in prison and up to $350,000 in fines.
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