Judge Sentences Zambelli Fireworks Company for Failing to Report Loss of Explosive Material

PITTSBURGH – A corporation based out of New Castle, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court on a charge of Failure to Report Loss of Explosive Material, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Zambelli Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc. pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, Zambelli was licensed by the federal government as an importer and manufacturer of explosive fireworks. Federal regulations require such licensees to make and keep accurate records relating to their inventories of explosive materials. Licensees must also subject themselves to inspections by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In 2014, ATF conducted inspections of Zambelli’s business premises and inventories of explosives, at which time they found discrepancies between the actual inventories and Zambelli’s inventory records. In particular, ATF found that Zambelli had approximately 63,000 less units of explosives than was reflected in their inventories.

Consequently, Zambelli was charged with, and pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly failing to notify the United States Government of lost or missing explosive materials.

Pursuant to the terms of a plea agreement, Zambelli will pay a fine of $5,000 and, in addition, will forfeit $195,000 to the United States Government as part of the sentence for this violation. Those plea terms were approved by Judge Cercone, who imposed that sentence at the conclusion of the hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Zambelli Fireworks Manufacturing Company, Inc.