Esparto fireworks explosion arraignments delayed as victims’ families voice frustration
By Jonathan Ayestas, Maricela De La Cruz
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ESPARTO, California (KCRA) — Five of the eight people arrested in connection with the deadly Esparto fireworks explosions appeared in court on Monday. Their arraignments were postponed to Thursday.
Among the defendants were Sam and Tammy Machado, who own the property that prosecutors said was storing about a million pounds of illegal explosives on the day the facility burst into flames.
Two defendants, Douglas Michael Tollefsen and Jack Lee, lost their attorneys during the court proceedings. Both lawyers appeared remotely and stated they could no longer represent them, without providing a reason. This means Tollefsen and Lee will need new legal counsel before their cases can move forward.
Tammy Machado also appeared in court, where she pleaded not guilty. She is expected to return on Thursday.
Family members of some of the victims of the Esparto explosion were present in the courtroom, with some hoping to address the judge. Jhony Ramos Sr., the father of Jesus and Jhony Ramos—two of the seven men killed in the explosion—shared his frustration.
“My children are already dead. It was two of them who were killed. I don’t know why they’re still being given rights,” Ramos said.
The family’s attorney, Ramin Younessi added, “We believe they knew a lot and they turned a blind eye. A lot was going on here for many years out in the open and it’s unfortunate. Those kids could’ve been alive today.”
The other three arrested are Kenneth Chee, Ronald Botelho III and Gary Chan Jr. Of the eight arrested, five are facing second-degree murder charges for the seven killed.
Chee made his first court appearance Friday in a Florida courtroom after being arrested at Disney World.
The Yolo County DA said that because the investigation is ongoing, additional people may face charges in connection with the blasts.
Sam and Tammy Machado both worked for the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, Sam having been a lieutenant and Tammy a non-sworn employee. Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez said he accepted their resignations on March 17.
For months, investigators, including Cal Fire’s state fire marshal, looked into the facility. That led to Devastating Pyrotechnics and Blackstar Fireworks having their licenses revoked.
A grand jury indictment on April 3 alleges that most of the defendants operated multiple black-market fireworks companies from the Esparto location, selling “overcharged fireworks” made with significantly more explosive material than typical fireworks. Labels identified in the indictment include Bean Day Ho, For The Streets, Big Bully, and Double OG.
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