According to Rush University biochemistry professor Marcello DelCarlo, homemade explosives found in his garage by police were intended to be used as fireworks, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. His counsel, Chicago criminal attorney Scott Yu, also insisted that his client's homemade explosives were for "peaceful" purposes:
"They're nothing more than glorified firecrackers that the defendant was making to celebrate the 4th of July."
But prosecutors aren't buying it.
Marcello DelCarlo's girlfriend, who was not named in the article, informed Chicago Police that the explosives actually are much more destructive than fireworks and that he traded them for methamphetamines. She called police after the suspect allegedly shook her violently and had threatened to strike her, according to Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antonietti.
The girlfriend was in the process of packing her things to leave, but Marcello DelCarlo reportedly was not present when police arrived. He later was arrested at Rush University Medical Center, where he works.
The 36-year-old assistant professor has been charged with felony possession of an explosive device and misdemeanor domestic battery. It's not clear whether or not there is other evidence of the professor's alleged intent to create dangerous explosives in order to trade for drugs.
Bail was set at $225,000.
Marcello DelCarlo already was serving a six-month court supervision (probation) linked to a January conviction on misdemeanor charges of possession of an unregistered handgun and possession of ammunition without a valid FOID card.
Initial charges of domestic battery and possession of a firearm without a FOID card (connected to the earlier conviction) were dropped.
Related Resources:
- Firearms and Domestic Violence (FindLaw)
- Charlie Sheen Domestic Violence Case: Actor Pleads Not Guilty (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice Blog)
- Contact a Chicago Criminal Attorney (FindLaw)
