Sciencemadness Discussion Board - DEA investigates possible HazMat lab in Newport News home

DEA investigates possible HazMat lab in Newport News home

Loptr - 15-5-2015 at 05:36

Apparently, a university student kept some chemicals and lab equipment at his home. I do not believe this student was engaged in any illicit activities, but it goes to show that here in the USA all it takes is a "tip" about the possibility of hazardous chemicals. Aren't most chemicals considered "hazardous"? What exactly do they mean by hazardous? Solvents? Acids? Bases? In my opinion, they are all a hazard given the wrong circumstances, so what is their definition of hazardous that prompted a judge to sign a search warrant?

http://wavy.com/2015/05/14/dea-investigating-hazardous-mater...

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Drug Enforcement Administration officials set up a large perimeter near Kerry Lake Drive in Newport News Thursday, after receiving a tip about potentially hazardous material.

Officials confirm the DEA, Newport News fire and police, state police and state emergency management responded to a home in the 500 block around 9 a.m.

James Oxford with the DEA told WAVY.com Newport News police issued a search warrant and officials found some type of lab at the home. It remains unclear what type of lab it is.

Chopper 10 video showed a scene on a residential street, where investigators seemed to be spreading out items taken from a home on tarps. Newport News police spokesman Lou Thurston told WAVY.com the things pulled from the house will be tested.

“It takes a long time to look for what you’re looking for, to find it, to make sure its stable. [We] have to bring it out and preliminarily test it. It’s a long tedious process,” he said.

Thurston said they were “looking for anything that may be a hazardous material or has the potential to be a part of a formula for hazardous material. He would not say what kinds of hazardous material they suspected.

“I don’t want to taint this thing and say it could be this or it could be that,” he said.

Thurston also said no arrests have been made and no arrest warrants have been filed.

Shirley Rucker said she lives in the house with her grandson, who she said is a 23-year-old Old Dominion University student majoring in chemistry. Rucker said her grandson often keeps chemicals in his bedroom and in the basement, but she thinks they are legal.

“[He] has been a joy to have live with me. He’s very neat. He’s very clean. He’s very conscientious and he works very hard with his chemistry,” Rucker said.

Of her grandson’s love of chemistry, Rucker said, “Well, I was fine, until this. This kind of made me think twice about it.”

Rucker said police were at the house Wednesday and told her they’d be back Thursday with a search warrant. She said her grandson was not at the home during the search and he told her he was surprised by all of this.

Neighbors were surprised by what they saw, as well. One Sailor got home from work and saw the road in front of his house blocked off.

“It’s unusual. [I] haven’t had something like this happen before, so close to home,” Garrett Schoonover said.

Police say there is no immediate threat to the public. “We’re doing everything we can to complete the investigation and not disrupt the neighborhood for any longer than what we have to,” Thurston said.

No further information has been released. Stay with WAVY.com for updates on this story.

[Edited on 15-5-2015 by Loptr]

Tabun - 15-5-2015 at 05:57

My conclusion on "police" subject,judging them by their behaviour and how people see them : they are just a bunch of motherfuckers paid by people to create problems to these people.It's not only in this chemistry field.I bet you hear people complaining about police or trying to avoid them.I seriously hate the police in my country.They are just a pain in the ass.I ended up asking myself "what the fuck can I do except school-home in this god damn country?".Seriously,I couldn't find anything else that's actually interesting and legal at the same time.It isn't just that "it sucks".It's an actual serious problem when they begin to opress us.

Loptr - 15-5-2015 at 06:03

I think it would be safe to say they are looking for controlled and listed substances, precursory material, certain types of lab equipment, and anything that might be energetic.

Either way, depending on what this student had, I am sure there was a lot of explaining involved.

I feel bad for the grandmother, because regardless of how this turns out, she will be seen as the one with the meth cook grandson. I am sure the neighbors will be steering clear in the future in fear of the house exploding...

EDIT:

From the pictures I can make out some tubing, Buchner funnel, funnels, lab ring support, maybe a hot plate, what seem to be boxes of glassware, and possibly tubs of chemicals. I am just curious if the buckets belong to the agents or the student. Either way, there doesn't seem to be a whole that there that SHOULD draw attention. Unless this student was prancing around the front yard in a gas mask and black PVC apron with the words "Mad Scientist" written across the front, what else would justify this tea party that was thrown for him?

blogfast25, now do you see where allowing people to know about your business gets you?

[Edited on 15-5-2015 by Loptr]

diggafromdover - 15-5-2015 at 06:25

Go back far enough in the synthetic chain and most things can be shown to be the precursor to something bad. Granny is lucky the DEA didn't seize her house.

Loptr - 15-5-2015 at 06:27

I fear the bill they will send later will seize the house.

aga - 15-5-2015 at 06:38

So if he's found to not be doing anything nasty HE ends up with the bill ?

Surely the cretin who reported it should get the bill for wasting police time ?

[Edited on 15-5-2015 by aga]

Loptr - 15-5-2015 at 07:18

Quote: Originally posted by aga

So if he's found to not be doing anything nasty HE ends up with the bill ?

Surely the cretin who reported it should get the bill for wasting police time ?

[Edited on 15-5-2015 by aga]

Honestly, aga, I really don't know. I can't imagine they wouldn't want to pass it off to them since "they" are the reason they were there...

I hope that if one of my neighbors took issue with something I was doing, they would come to me first. In all likely hood, I would be accommodating and submit to their concerns. In reality, since people do not like confrontation, this is more than likely what would actually transpire.

This is why I say time and time again, keep it close to the chest, because if they come it won't matter if its in view or hidden, the same process will be used to determine if you are up to no good. Regardless of the outcome, the process this entails is damaging in and of itself. You look like a crazy person to your neighbors and the rest of the city when they see you on the news at the center of a suspected meth lab.

diggafromdover - 15-5-2015 at 07:25

There was a case in Mass where a retired chemist had an unrelated A/C fire. The local FD confiscated all his stock and billed him thousands for disposal. Then it was decided he had been entirely legal. He still paid.

There are no effective limits to police power - not when they are no consequences for its misuse.

Loptr - 15-5-2015 at 07:30

Quote: Originally posted by diggafromdover

There was a case in Mass where a retired chemist had an unrelated A/C fire. The local FD confiscated all his stock and billed him thousands for disposal. Then it was decided he had been entirely legal. He still paid.

There are no effective limits to police power - not when they are no consequences for its misuse.

This brings up the question again of what do they consider "hazardous enough" to either confiscate and dispose of, or provide you with a citation for its ownership?

I know that some members here have mentioned having many gallons of various solvents and acids. I would imagine the sheer quantity would be enough to invoke a more reactive response.

I wish things like this were more cut and dry as to what will and what won't get you in trouble, but it might be that way intentionally to give the responders the ability to handle a situation as they see fit.

diggafromdover - 15-5-2015 at 07:40

One idea might be to document carefully what you have, get an MSDS for each item, pop it in a binder, and hang it on the wall next to the fire extinguisher.

The Mass case proceeded as it did because the FD had no idea what they were dealing with and felt obligated to react. A detailed inventory might have tempered their response.

Proper storage is also a good things. Those gallons of solvent should go in a solvents locker with protection from ignition sources and provisions for spill cleanup (bucket of cat litter)

Crazy meth cooks don't do this. Neither do deranged individuals.

[Edited on 15-5-2015 by diggafromdover]

blogfast25 - 15-5-2015 at 08:42

Quote: Originally posted by Loptr

blogfast25, now do you see where allowing people to know about your business gets you?

And keeping things 'secret' would have helped, how? Do prey, tell. There's ALWAYS a trace, Loptr, always. Maybe they raided one of his suppliers and found receipts? Something like the latter happened to me.

Not to mention that WE DON'T ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT HE WAS UP TO. Something illicit cannot yet be excluded.

[Edited on 15-5-2015 by blogfast25]

Loptr - 15-5-2015 at 09:25

Quote: Originally posted by blogfast25

Quote: Originally posted by Loptr

blogfast25, now do you see where allowing people to know about your business gets you?

That is a completely valid point. Keeping things secret is an attempt to preempt the situation.

I was basing that statement on the possibility of a neighbor being the one that provided the tip, but you are absolutely right. We don't yet know the facts of the matter are as they have yet to be released.

blogfast25 - 15-5-2015 at 10:14

Quote: Originally posted by Loptr

I was basing that statement on the possibility of a neighbor being the one that provided the tip, but you are absolutely right.

Even in the case of a tip off by a neighbour, secrecy wouldn't help you. A really nosy neighbour, perhaps one with a grudge against you, perhaps one that got a whiff of that ammonia or whatnot, WILL find out what you're up to if he REALLY wants to. And then that 'secret stash' will work against you when you're raided.

Stay within the Law and within your rights and be discreet by not being nuissance. Dura lex sed lex. And if you don't like it, campaign to have it amended or repealed.

[Edited on 15-5-2015 by blogfast25]

Zombie - 15-5-2015 at 14:12

My guess is as mr. Blog stated that it was not so much a "tip" as an investigation from a 'trail' of purchases.

The net is full of stories of people buying Lab Glass, and chemicals on FleaBay, and other sites only to get that knock on the door.

You'll note in the report that "they" went to the home on one day, and stated they would return w/ a warrant?

Obviously "they had no idea IF there were any chemicals or hazardous materials at that location UNTiL the G mother spoke, and presumably verified that the G son was indeed interested in chemistry.

The very reason you say NOTHING!

I'm one of those fellas that store hundreds of gallons of assorted "watch list" items.
There are perhaps 10 others here in town that have the same situation.
The reason WE don't get raided is because we all purchase under our business credit lines, and all of our businesses are legit. Everything i shipped to business addresses, and we pay our taxes on the sales that verifies an IN / OUT purpose fore ordering same.

If you look again at all these "raid" threads... They all originate at HOME addresses, and non professional possessors of whatever baking soda and vinegar combos these folks have.

My point is 99% of these raids result from a paper trail. Once the smoke clears they have to release where the info from the warrant was obtained. They cover their asses by visiting for verification, and again 99% of the time have no warrant on the first visit UNLESS there are known quantities of watch list or precursor items at that address that are VERIFIED thru order/delivery records aka credit card/paypal/usps/ups/fedex.

If you want to do this stuff at home... Without the benefit of a solid business plan, a LEGAL work area and you don't pay cash at a retail shop... you're exposed.

aga - 15-5-2015 at 16:01

Fact is that the Powers That Be do not want any kind of knowledge in the hands of Independents.

Independence Day is something they seriously do not want to happen, and i am not talking about Aliens.

Scientific research is still very much in it's infancy.

Imagine if I or YOU discover a working anti-gravity or effective Field technology tomorrow, and it makes several industries/military methods redundant ?

Do you think you will get a Nobel Prize , or silently killed ?

The chemistry 'clampdown' has Nothing to do with terrorist activity.

All governments of the world (that can) condone, produce, and sell weapons to other parties without much of a check on Who might actually Use them.

Zombie - 15-5-2015 at 17:23

That's the kicker.

We put Them in charge to be certain that n one takes advantage of US!

Go figure...

[Edited on 5-16-2015 by Zombie]

samuel-jackson-is-the-main-character-in-jaws-you-didnt-know-that.gif - 1.5MB

[Edited on 5-16-2015 by Zombie]

blogfast25 - 15-5-2015 at 17:36

Quote: Originally posted by aga

Imagine if I or YOU discover a working anti-gravity or effective Field technology tomorrow, and it makes several industries/military methods redundant ?

The chemistry 'clampdown' has Nothing to do with terrorist activity.

The chances of developing that kind of technology by an independent are basically ZERO. You really are attributing FAR too much clout to amateur science.

In the US, suspicion about chemistry is quite closely correlated with 'fear of kooks'. Legitimate or not is a different question.

Hawkguy - 15-5-2015 at 18:09

It might just the quantity thats getting to the police. I see some buckets and large containers in the chopper photos. The large scale bucket chemistry is what would get to somebody, even if the material is legal. It gives the impression of an operation, a production..

blogfast25 - 15-5-2015 at 18:19

Quote: Originally posted by Hawkguy

It might just the quantity thats getting to the police. I see some buckets and large containers in the chopper photos. The large scale bucket chemistry is what would get to somebody, even if the material is legal. It gives the impression of an operation, a production..

Except... we don't even know who the buckets belong to: the DEA or the student?

blogfast25 - 16-5-2015 at 13:31

Quote: Originally posted by aga

Fact is that the Powers That Be do not want any kind of knowledge in the hands of Independents.

I like my conspiracy theories a little less Alex Jones like.

It would be easier and less messy to ‘buy’ any independent scientists, or do what JP Morgan did to Tesla/Westinghouse. They could have disappeared/killed them, it just wasn’t necessary. And cheaper. And it left Morgan's undoubtedly sophisticated self-image intact.

Things that SHOULD worry people:

• The rise and seemingly unstoppable march of Neoliberalism.
• Neoliberal corporatism and what it’s doing to Democracy.
• Secret trade agreements.
• Mass surveillance in the name of the War on Whatever.

Once Monopolistic Capitalism is in place, perhaps with a support structure of State Terror, we can call it the The North Atlantic Behemoth.

You’ll still be able to twiddle with your iStuff<sup>™</sup>, just don’t use’m to call anyone. BTW, If you’re ever made redundant by the North Atlantic Behemoth, you can always seek ‘gainful employment’ by that other Behemoth and become a Mechanical Turk!

[Edited on 16-5-2015 by blogfast25]

aga - 16-5-2015 at 13:41

I kind of agree.

All Governance has to play the tune of the one(s) paying the piper.

Chemistry has yielded some pretty big money-spinners, and no way do the giant corporates want anyone to stumble on a process that they a) discovered and hid or b) they are working on and were pipped at the post.

I disagree about the ZERO chance of any amateur discovering anything spectacular.

It is a a vanishingly small chance, yet it is there, and those million-to one shots come out OK 9 times out of 10 (Douglas Adams, Infinite Improbability Drive)

[Edited on 16-5-2015 by aga]

Zombie - 16-5-2015 at 15:41

I don't think anyone read the article.

The hoopla is about two PVC Pipe bombs. The rest is an overflow investigation.

if anyone want to sneak peak at where the world is headed...

http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n2265.cfm
NEWS BRIEF: "Hillary Clinton: A Bilderberg Presidency: European elite back Democratic frontrunner", By Daniel Taylor, Old Thinker News, November 10, 2007

"While President Bush's approval rating falls to record lows, the torch is being prepared to pass on to Hillary Clinton, with full endorsement from the global elite. With support from European nobility, Clinton has been selected as the candidate of choice for the continuation of globalist policies. Bill Clinton, being a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Trilateral Commission, as well as the secretive Bilderberg group, was the creme de la creme establishment candidate. His wife, Hillary, who likely attended the 2006 Bilderberg conference in Ottawa Canada, now promises to follow in his path."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mYW5nmS9ps

[Edited on 5-17-2015 by Zombie]

Magpie - 16-5-2015 at 16:27

Quote: Originally posted by Zombie

I don't think anyone read the article.
The hoopla is about two PVC Pipe bombs. The rest is an overflow investigation.

What are you referring to? I read the article and saw nothing about this.

Zombie - 16-5-2015 at 16:55

It's in the first thirty seconds of the attached news clip.

http://wavy.com/2015/05/14/dea-investigating-hazardous-mater...

Here's a follow up report from yesterday. I have not read it yet... http://wavy.com/2015/05/15/affidavit-pipe-bombs-found-in-haz...

More links.

http://wtkr.com/2015/05/14/hazmat-situation-under-investigat...

http://www.13newsnow.com/story/news/local/mycity/newport-new...

Apparently it was a tip to police...
[Edited on 5-17-2015 by Zombie]

[Edited on 5-17-2015 by Zombie]

[Edited on 5-17-2015 by Zombie]

[Edited on 5-17-2015 by Zombie]

Magpie - 16-5-2015 at 17:43

Thank you. I see the situation has been updated.

What I got out of these reports:

*neighbor complained
*DEA responds as a drug lab is suspected
*fire marshall says "pipe bombs" were found. That is, PVC pipes with caps filled with black powder. Couldn't these have been fireworks mortars if one cap was just a lid and not cemented in place?
*ODU college professor thinks the student was "learning how to make fireworks" based on the finding of strontium carbonate, etc
*student will not talk to police until his attorney is present. Smart move.

Zombie - 16-5-2015 at 18:36

It does appear to be as you say Magpie.

Just a school kid making fireworks.

They will no doubt charge the crap out of him for all their "hard work". Perhaps ruin his future, and feed his G ma to the alligators, but it's all good.

I'm seriously curious about one aspect of this... How much do you think it cost us (taxpayers) to keep all those alphabet fellas in coffee, and doughnuts for the past three days? 20-30k?

blogfast25 - 16-5-2015 at 18:45

Quote: Originally posted by Zombie

if anyone want to sneak peak at where the world is headed...

http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n2265.cfm
NEWS BRIEF: "Hillary Clinton: A Bilderberg Presidency: European elite back Democratic frontrunner", By Daniel Taylor, Old Thinker News, November 10, 2007

"While President Bush's approval rating falls to record lows, the torch is being prepared to pass on to Hillary Clinton, with full endorsement from the global elite. With support from European nobility, Clinton has been selected as the candidate of choice for the continuation of globalist policies. Bill Clinton, being a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Trilateral Commission, as well as the secretive Bilderberg group, was the creme de la creme establishment candidate. His wife, Hillary, who likely attended the 2006 Bilderberg conference in Ottawa Canada, now promises to follow in his path."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mYW5nmS9ps

Please tell me you're joking by putting this up here, right? Pleaeaeaease????

Apart from the fact that it's old hat (2007)...

Zombie - 16-5-2015 at 20:25

That's my point in posting it.
She's been groomed for the position.

Hillary has more legal indiscretions than anyone else I can compare to in office. Yet... She will be the next US president.

You fellas in Europe better pull up the draw bridges, and fill the motes with alligators. She won't be happy with just the US. She wants global control.

Brain&Force - 16-5-2015 at 21:37

Damn! I used to live 10 miles from Newport News! I did most of my home chemistry in Virginia Beach, and nobody ever gave me a hard time. Never did anything too bad or too hardcore though.

macckone - 16-5-2015 at 23:12

For the record, pvc filled with black powder is considered a pipe bomb. There is legal precedent on it, can't remember the exact case. The guy was shooting off pvc firecrackers and he got serios prison time. Cardboard is OK but nothing that has the potential to generate shrapnel in the actual firework. Launch tubes aka mortars should be material capable of substantial over-pressure or not produce shrapnel again cardboard, pvc definitely isn't it. It sounds like fireworks is a possibility but unless the prosecutor feels sorry for the kid, he could be in big trouble.

aga - 17-5-2015 at 00:41

Anyone messing with any Energetic Material(s) must take the responsibility for any of the effects they may cause.

It is better for straight-thinking, serious-minded folks to make/handle them, as any random foolishness or simple preventable accident can injure, maim or kill other people.

... and it is a Choice - he wasn't coerced into making/buying black powder and stuffing it into a pipe.

blogfast25 - 17-5-2015 at 05:59

Quote: Originally posted by Zombie

That's my point in posting it.
She's been groomed for the position.

Hillary has more legal indiscretions than anyone else I can compare to in office. Yet... She will be the next US president.

You fellas in Europe better pull up the draw bridges, and fill the motes with alligators. She won't be happy with just the US. She wants global control.

They're ALL 'groomed' for the position, Zombie, but not by 'Bilderberg', 'The Illuminati' or shape-shifting reptillians. Politics is increasingly dominated by Big Capital.

'European nobility' BTW has ZERO political power.

Europe isn't pulling up its draw bridges, quite the OPPOSITE, see the relevant TTIP secret agreement.

Agreed with maccone and aga.

[Edited on 17-5-2015 by blogfast25]

Zombie - 17-5-2015 at 08:08

Quote: Originally posted by blogfast25

They're ALL 'groomed' for the position, Zombie, but not by 'Bilderberg',

[Edited on 17-5-2015 by blogfast25]

[Edited on 5-17-2015 by Zombie]

images.jpg - 8kB

blogfast25 - 17-5-2015 at 08:53

'Communication' by ginormous emoticon. No wonder you end up knowing so precious little...

macckone - 17-5-2015 at 09:16

The most recent case that is considered authoritative:

http://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/200812910....

ie. If you use pvc casing it is a destructive device.

The worstine case is somewhat older and generally out of favor but
It does allow the defendant to provide a defense if they can prove
That the purpose of the device was as a firework versus a destructive
Device. Notice that this isn't a very good defense.

I am not a lawyer disclaimer. Don't use pvc for fireworks.

blogfast25 - 17-5-2015 at 09:21

Quote: Originally posted by macckone

That the purpose of the device was as a firework versus a destructive
Device. Notice that this isn't a very good defense.

I am not a lawyer disclaimer. Don't use pvc for fireworks.

I prefer the 'hipflask defence'!

Why use PVC when you can use cardboard?

[Edited on 17-5-2015 by blogfast25]

aga - 17-5-2015 at 13:51

Lawyers or not, i think that most would agree that discharging any quantity of EM in a residential area would be likely to cause annoyance or damage to the human residents or property thereof, and should therefore be unlawful, as it is at the very least disrespectful.

There isn't much of a defense that can be built.

Perhaps if he had built a custom demolishing ball-crane rig, and it went out of control and killed people he may have been in for a brighter future.

An active interest in the science of EM is a good thing, yet it MUST be coupled with a healthy interest in Travel to Far Away Places too, or and enforced interest in confined spaces and daily anal sex will follow.

Loptr - 17-5-2015 at 15:09

All fireworks are illegal in Newport News. Not getting off to a good start...

blogfast25 - 17-5-2015 at 15:29

Quote: Originally posted by Loptr

Not getting off to a good start...

I'd be contacting my 'character witnesses' at this point, I think.

Zombie - 17-5-2015 at 20:22

A quick look at what he is dealing with.

Newport News Penal codes... https://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-85

§ 18.2-85. Manufacture, possession, use, etc., of fire bombs or explosive materials or devices; penalties.

For the purpose of this section:

"Device" means any instrument, apparatus or contrivance, including its component parts, that is capable of producing or intended to produce an explosion but shall not include fireworks as defined in § 27-95.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the authorized manufacture, transportation, distribution, use or possession of any material, substance, or device by a member of the armed forces of the United States, fire fighters or law-enforcement officers, nor shall it prohibit the manufacture, transportation, distribution, use or possession of any material, substance or device to be used solely for scientific research, educational purposes or for any lawful purpose, subject to the provisions of §§ 27-97 and 27-97.2.

https://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+27-95
"Fireworks" means any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket, or other substance or object, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended, or commonly known as fireworks, and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air.

"Permissible fireworks" means any sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, or pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies.

Like everything else in the legal system there are provisions in the fire code that supersede the city ordinances.
On the one hand the kid could be in the clear, and on the other he could be a felon for life.

It's all up to the DEA, and the Newport News States Attorneys office.

Zombie - 17-5-2015 at 20:31

Quote: Originally posted by blogfast25

'Communication' by ginormous emoticon. No wonder you end up knowing so precious little...

Hey Mr. Blog... Build me a boat or a race engine or the building they get built in.

Perhaps a vintage chopper or a Trike Harley. Heck... Build me a computer that designs all of these.

I know a thing or three about a thing or three from doing them. All you or I know about how the politics of our world are formed is what we are told.
I tend to believe the opinions that make the most sense.

[Edited on 5-18-2015 by Zombie]

truthlies.jpg - 10kB

macckone - 18-5-2015 at 07:11

The dea would hand explosives violations over to the atf and the federal prosecutor. If it is just local police then it could stay local but I doubt it. And there is still the possibility of something larger going on.

Loptr - 18-5-2015 at 07:18

Quote: Originally posted by Zombie

A quick look at what he is dealing with.

Newport News Penal codes... https://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-85

§ 18.2-85. Manufacture, possession, use, etc., of fire bombs or explosive materials or devices; penalties.

For the purpose of this section:

"Device" means any instrument, apparatus or contrivance, including its component parts, that is capable of producing or intended to produce an explosion but shall not include fireworks as defined in § 27-95.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the authorized manufacture, transportation, distribution, use or possession of any material, substance, or device by a member of the armed forces of the United States, fire fighters or law-enforcement officers, nor shall it prohibit the manufacture, transportation, distribution, use or possession of any material, substance or device to be used solely for scientific research, educational purposes or for any lawful purpose, subject to the provisions of §§ 27-97 and 27-97.2.

https://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+27-95
"Fireworks" means any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket, or other substance or object, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended, or commonly known as fireworks, and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air.

"Permissible fireworks" means any sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, or pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies.

Like everything else in the legal system there are provisions in the fire code that supersede the city ordinances.
On the one hand the kid could be in the clear, and on the other he could be a felon for life.

It's all up to the DEA, and the Newport News States Attorneys office.

I had read through these codes before, but I could have sworn that ALL fireworks were illegal, including sparklers and fountains. The codes above sound more like the codes of VA, where pretty much anything except things that go pop or go up in the air are legal.

I am not doubting your reporting of these codes, just my recollection of what I read a while back... strange.

EDIT: Newport News has a separate site that is actually pretty nice that you can search through codes and other things. I haven't found the site yet, but here is a news article about all the above being illegal. Not the source, but a newspaper article to remind those of fireworks legality around holidays. http://articles.dailypress.com/2010-06-29/entertainment/dp-n...

[Edited on 18-5-2015 by Loptr]

blogfast25 - 18-5-2015 at 07:31

Quote: Originally posted by Zombie

I've never disputed your considerable knowledge in various areas, quite the opposite. But here, on this subject, that knowledge is irrelevant.

And when you come up with a link like the one you came up with, I must conclude chronic political ignorance.

Meanwhile the destruction of the USA by Neoliberalism continues. Perhaps you can also blame 'Bilderberg' for that?

Quote:

I tend to believe the opinions that make the most sense.

As if historiography, source verification, historical materialism and other methods for the 'objective' study of history and society don't exist. (insert 'eyes to heaven' emoticon here)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s__rX_WL100

[Edited on 18-5-2015 by blogfast25]

update

dactyl - 2-12-2016 at 21:36

He was arrested and identified:
http://www.dailypress.com/news/crime/dp-police-fire-hazmat-d...

He was sentenced:
http://www.nncwa.com/news/2016/2016-06-03.htm 22 months to prison
http://ewsocis1.courts.state.va.us/CJISWeb/CaseDetail.do- link for virginia court search.
Excerpt from one of three court cases of his:
Hearings

# Date Time Type Room Plea Duration Jury Result
1 12/14/2015 9:30AM Grand Jury 3 True Bill
2 01/14/2016 10:00AM Trial 2 Continued Motion Of Defense
3 03/03/2016 10:00AM Trial 4 Continued
4 03/04/2016 10:30AM Trial 4 Continued
5 03/23/2016 10:00AM Trial 4 Not Guilty Presentence Ordered
6 06/03/2016 9:00AM Sentencing 4 Sent

Final Disposition
Disposition Code:
Guilty
Disposition Date:
06/03/2016
Concluded By:
Trial - Judge With Witness
Amended Charge:

Amended Code Section:

Amended Charge Type:

Jail/Penitentiary:
Penitentiary
Concurrent/Consecutive:

Life/Death:

Sentence Time:
7 Year(s)
Sentence Suspended:
6 Year(s)4 Month(s)
Operator License Suspension Time:

Fine Amount:
$0.00
Costs:
$495.00
Fines/Cost Paid:
Yes
Program Type:
Community Service
Probation Type:
Supervised
Probation Time:
3 Year(s)
Probation Starts:
Probation To Begin Upon Release
Court/DMV Surrender:

Driver Improvement Clinic:

macckone - 3-12-2016 at 16:55

Possession of an explosive device, cardboard = firework, pvc = explosive or destructive device.

Bert - 4-12-2016 at 08:25

If you make large firecrackers, regardless of case materials or EM you used? ATF will probably call it a destructive device, even if YOU intended it to be a firework for entertainment purposes.

Kids experimenting with pyrotechnics and making a few large firecrackers may be charged under the same laws as those making devices intended to kill. Even bursting a plastic soda bottle with a gas generating mix is enough for such a charge.

There also have been a few instances of ATF agents getting killed while dealing with bootleg firecracker factories, ATF was quite touchy about this type of activity long before 911 and "the GWOT".

https://www.atf.gov/our-history/fallen-agents/johnny-masenga...

MrHomeScientist - 4-1-2017 at 14:01

Thanks for the update on this case; interesting read.

The political banter is also quite funny now that the election is over. Everyone's so doom and gloom about everything and yet the world keeps on spinning.