Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Hawaii
PJKK Federal Building (808) 541-2850
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 6-100 FAX (808) 541-2958
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
For Immediate Release
Contact: Elliot Enoki
September 29, 2008
United States District Court Judge David Alan Ezra sentenced Rodney Ballesteros earlier today to six (6) months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, community service, and a $2,000 fine. This follows Ballesteros' guilty plea to dealing in explosive materials without a license in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 842(a)(1).
Edward H. Kubo, Jr., United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said that Ballesteros was selling illegal 1.3g type display fireworks in December of 2007 from his home. A total of approximately 4,200 pounds of illegal fireworks was seized by authorities. Ballesteros admitted that he had sold $80,000 worth of illegal fireworks from September - December 2007.
This conviction culminated investigations by the Honolulu Police Department; the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The lead agent assigned to the case was ICE agent James Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Darren W.K. Ching prosecuted this case.
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