💣 DENVILLE MAN FACES FEDERAL CHARGES AFTER AUTHORITIES DISCOVER MORE THAN 100 HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVES
Joseph Rizos of Denville faces federal charges after authorities found more than 100 homemade explosives and a laboratory inside his home. Investigators also recovered firearms and chemicals, leading to a neighborhood evacuation during the search of the property.
📍 DENVILLE, NJ — A Morris County man is facing multiple federal charges after investigators allegedly uncovered a homemade explosives operation inside his Denville residence, including more than 100 homemade explosive devices.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Joseph Rizos, 37, of Denville, has been charged with unlawful receipt of explosive materials, unlawful storage of explosive materials, and unlawful possession of plastic explosives without a required detection agent.
🔎 INVESTIGATION DATES BACK TO 2020
Federal authorities say Rizos had allegedly been acquiring explosive-related materials and equipment online for approximately six years.
Investigators say the materials included fuels, fuses, precursor chemicals and laboratory equipment, which authorities allege were improperly stored at his home on Avondale Road.
The investigation reportedly began in March 2026, with authorities alleging that Rizos had been operating a destructive-device manufacturing operation since approximately April 2020.
🚔 SEARCH UNCOVERS EXPLOSIVES, FIREARMS
On June 24, investigators executed a search warrant at the Denville residence. Authorities said Rizos was stopped and detained in his vehicle shortly before the search began.
Investigators allegedly discovered a laboratory inside the home containing explosive materials, blasting caps, cell phones, firearms and ammunition.
Officials also reported finding approximately 109 homemade explosives inside an exterior shed.
💥 AREA EVACUATED
The discovery of the explosive materials prompted authorities to evacuate the immediate area while investigators secured the scene.
Officials have not disclosed a motive for the alleged manufacturing operation.
⚖️ FEDERAL CASE MOVES FORWARD
Rizos faces a potential sentence of up to 21 years in federal prison and as much as $350,000 in fines if convicted.
The charges are allegations, and Rizos is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
📸 PHOTO CREDIT: Morristown Green
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