Indictment: Three Dealt Explosives Without Federal License in Kansas City, Kan.

KANSAS CITY, Ks. – Three people have been charged with dealing in M-80s and other explosive materials without a federal explosives license in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Joseph E. Quinn, 45, Parkville, Mo., Patrick E. Quinn, 40, Kansas City, Kan., and Stacy L. Sewell, 41, Kansas City, Kan., are 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.

The ATF published a fact sheet on illegal explosives devices in March 2012. The fact sheet 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 wight limits for consumer fireworks." http://www.atf.gov/publications/factsheets/factsheet-illegal-explosives-devices.html

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Patrick A. Bedell, 38, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 13, 2012, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearms charge and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana charge. The ATF investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Zabel is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.