Mashpee Man Burned By Fireworks Arraigned on Weapons of Mass Destruction Charge

A Cape Cod  man who was burned by fireworks faces serious charges, including "production of a weapon of mass destruction."

Jeffrey D. Roberts of Mashpee was arraigned in Falmouth District Court on Thursday and also charged with possession of fireworks and possession of an explosive device, according to an announcement from State Fire Marshal Peter J Ostroskey, Mashpee Fire Chief Thomas C. Rullo, and Mashpee Police Chief Scott W. Carline.

On August 28, authorities responded to the Summerwood Condos at 300 Falmouth Road where they encountered Roberts, who had sustained facial burns from fireworks. Roberts was treated at Falmouth Hospital.

Police say they found fireworks and evidence of making homemade explosive devices inside Roberts' apartment. The items were "removed to a safe location late that night and countercharged by the State Police Bomb Squad on August 29, 2020 because of the storm moving through the area," according to Jennifer Mieth, public information officer with the state Department of Fire Services.

Mashpee Police and Fire, the State Police Bomb Squad, and fire investigators assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated the case. A specially trained state HazMat Team assisted in identifying various powders and chemicals allegedly found in the home. The Massschusetts State Police Air Wing and the Mashpee Department of Public Works provided assistance with the safe disposal, Mieth said.

“Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts because they are dangerous. This situation posed a significant risk to other people who lived in the building. It is fortunate only one person was injured," said Rullo.