A New Jersey nutjob who allegedly built a slew of weapons in a “sophisticated” at-home bomb lab has been slapped with federal charges.
Joseph Rizos, of suburban Denville, allegedly hatched a years-long sinister scheme that started in April 2020 where he bought highly explosive materials — including fuels, fuses and chemicals — and lab equipment from various online stores, illegally keeping them in his home.
The 37-year-old was charged with unlawful receipt of explosive materials, unlawful storage of explosive material and unlawful possession of plastic explosives without a detection agent on Wednesday, the US Attorney’s Office announced.
Morris County investigators stormed his 1,920-square-foot home on June 24 after Rizos was detained from his car.
“At the residence, investigators uncovered a home laboratory along with a cache of explosive precursors commonly used to make [homemade explosives],” the Morris County’s Prosecutor’s Office wrote at the time.
“Also seized were blasting caps, cell phones, and various firearms and ammunition.”
About 109 homemade bombs were recovered from his shed alone, according to investigators. Illicit materials were also allegedly found in his bedroom, basement and garage.
Neighbors were temporarily evacuated.
Rizos was previously charged by the prosecutor’s office with second-degree recklessly risking widespread injury/damage and four counts of third-degree possession of destructive devices at the time.
If convicted on all three federal counts, Rizos faces over 20 years behind bars and up to $600,000 in fines.
The investigation was led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
New Jersey State Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office helped.
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