Man charged after investigators seize suspected homemade explosives, firearms in Morris County
DENVILLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A Denville man has been charged after authorities seized what they described as a large cache of suspected homemade explosives, explosive-making materials and firearms during a search of his residence, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office announced.
Joseph Rizos, 37, of Denville Township, was arrested June 24 following a months-long investigation led by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Rizos’ residence on Avondale Road after conducting a motor vehicle stop and detaining him earlier that morning.
According to authorities, investigators discovered a home laboratory containing explosive precursors commonly used to manufacture homemade explosives, along with blasting caps, cell phones, firearms and ammunition.
A subsequent search of a shed on the property resulted in the seizure of approximately 109 individual containers of suspected homemade explosive material that authorities said were capable of causing massive destruction.
Investigators also determined that no permit had been issued by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health, which is required to store such explosive materials.
As a precaution, nearby homes were temporarily evacuated while authorities secured the scene.
The investigation began in March 2026. Prosecutors allege Rizos operated a destructive device manufacturing operation during 2025 and 2026.
Rizos has been charged with one count of second-degree recklessly risking widespread injury or damage and four counts of third-degree possession of destructive devices.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
The investigation involved members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, along with task force officers from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Denville Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Roxbury Police Department and Town of Boonton Police Department.
Additional assistance was provided by the Morristown Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, New Jersey State Police Hazardous Material Response Unit, New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Newark Division and the FBI’s Newark Field Office.
Rizos remains detained at the Morris County Jail pending a motion for pretrial detention under New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll praised investigators and urged the public not to speculate about the case while the investigation continues.
“I want to recognize the hard work and persistence of our investigators in shutting down this potentially dangerous operation. I also wish to thank our local, state, and federal partners in providing timely assistance with this volatile situation. 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,” Carroll said.
