Suffolk County, NY - June 8, 2018 - Suffolk County Police have arrested a man and seized approximately $100,000 worth of fireworks during the execution of a search warrant in Medford on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
Sixth Squad detectives and the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal executed a search warrant at Medford Mini Storage, located at 775 Long Island Ave., at approximately 3:25 p.m.
During the search, two truckloads of fireworks which were contained in approximately 380 boxes and weighed approximately 15,000 pounds, were recovered. The fireworks had the potential to cause a powerful explosion which could have resulted in substantial personal injury and property damage.
Anthony Benevento, 36, of Shirley, was arrested and charged with Illegal Storage of Explosives, an E Felony under New York State Labor Law and with Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks.
Beneveto will be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on June 7.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.