By Mike Schnitzel
Bomb technicians seized 20 cases of ground-effects fireworks (such as firecrackers and bottle rockets) valued at $1,000 from an upstairs bedroom of Romano's house. Police also found a derringer, a 12-gauge shotgun, an AK-47, a Ruger .22-gauge long rifle and two facsimile weapons - one resembling a Walther PBK and the other a Glock 9 mm.
In addition, Romano was found to be in possession of homemade explosive devices. "He made his own explosive devices using fuses and flash powder, which could cause serious or deadly injuries to people," said Detective Lt. Kevin Smith.
A mutual investigation by the Nassau County Probation Department and the county police department's Arson/ Bomb Squad, with technical assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Consumer Product Safety Commission led to the execution of a search warrant for Romano's home and his subsequent arrest.
Romano, 26, of 123 East St. Mark's Place, is charged with fireworks possession with intent to sell, a class-A misdemeanor, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (for the home-made explosives), a class-D felony, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon (for the derringer). Further charges are pending for the assault rifles and shotgun.
"The assault rifles were altered, so further investigation is needed before he is charged," Smith explained. "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms will be helping in that investigation."
Romano was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead last Saturday.
Comments about this story? MSchnitzel@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 208.
