Former deputy linked to deadly Esparto fireworks warehouse blast
TL;DR
A former Yolo County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant, Samuel Machado, is among seven people charged in connection with a July Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion that killed seven workers. Prosecutors allege Machado illegally stored millions of pounds of explosives on his property and used his position to shield the illicit operation for years, as part of a decade-long conspiracy involving Devastating Pyrotechnics and Blackstar Fireworks. A 30-count indictment covers seven defendants; Machado’s wife faces separate charges in a second indictment, and investigators say the operation imported and stored unlicensed explosives near homes, raising questions about local enforcement.
Topics:nationcrime-and-courts#crime-and-courts#devastating-pyrotechnics#esparto#fireworks-explosion#murder-charges#samuel-machado
- Sheriff’s lieutenant with million-pound fireworks stash led to deadly blast, prosecutors say Los Angeles Times
- 8 people indicted in deadly Esparto explosions case: Who's who and their charges KCRA
- Multiple people face charges, including murder, in California fireworks blast The Guardian
- Eight Arrested in Connection With Deadly California Fireworks Explosion The New York Times
- Owner of Esparto fireworks company arrested at Disney World Sacramento Bee
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