Authorities find ‘massive trove’ of explosives, prompting evacuations in Morris County
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office says the investigation started in March. They say that Joseph Rizos ran a “destructive device manufacturing operation in the years 2025 and 2026.”
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Authorities in Morris County say that they have uncovered a “massive trove” of explosives and firearms inside a home laboratory in Denville, prompting the evacuation of several homes.
As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old Joseph Rizos was arrested and faces multiple charges.
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office says the investigation started in March. They say that Rizos ran a “destructive device manufacturing operation in the years 2025 and 2026.”
Authorities executed a search warrant on Rizos’ Avondale Road home on Wednesday morning. They say that investigators found materials to make homemade explosives (HME), along with ballistic caps, firearms, ammunition and cellphones. Officials say they uncovered 109 individual homemade explosives “capable of massive destruction.”
Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.
“We recognize that matters of national significance are transpiring in Northern New Jersey right now, and that this arrest may prompt speculation and concern. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, law enforcement cannot discuss additional details at this time, such as the defendant’s intent. More will be reported to the public at the appropriate time,” Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll wrote in a statement.
Rizos was charged with one count of recklessly risking widespread injury/damage and four counts of possession of destructive device.
