An Iowa-based manufacturer and distributor of chemicals used to make illegal fireworks has agreed to get out of the business, after pleading guilty to violating federal law. At sentencing today, Iowa Pyro Supply Inc., of Stanwood, Iowa, which is owned by Mark and Geraldine Mead, was also fined $10,000 and given one year of probation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John A. Jarvey of the Northern District of Iowa handed down the sentence after Iowa Pyro pled guilty in December 2005 to one criminal count of introducing into interstate commerce banned hazardous substances. The company sold powdered aluminum, potassium perchlorate, sulfur, M-80 and M-100 tubes, end caps and pre-cut fuses to a customer in Illinois. These chemicals and components are used to make highly dangerous fireworks, such as M-80s, quarter sticks, silver salutes, and aerial bombs, which are banned under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
Iowa Pyro and the Meads also entered into a consent agreement and permanent injunction to cease business operations related to the sale of fireworks components and to transfer or destroy their remaining components inventory. U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigators are authorized to conduct unannounced inspections of the company, and compliance with the settlement agreement shall be documented by the company and reported to CPSC.
CPSC was actively involved in the investigation of this matter and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Litigation and the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa prosecuted the case.
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