June 9, 2023 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on June 7, 2023, the Merced County Sheriff's Office Investigations Bureau began an investigation of illegal aerial fireworks sold on the Facebook Marketplace Platform. They determined a person of interest and authored a search warrant that they served at a residence on the 6000 block of Cindy St. in Winton.

Two hundred seventy pounds of illegal fireworks were located with an approximate wholesale value of $3,000. The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office. The Sheriff's Office will not tolerate the use or sale of illegal fireworks.

If you know anyone selling illegal fireworks, please email our tip line at sherifftips@countyofmerced.com; your tip can remain anonymous. If you witness the use of illegal fireworks, please contact our non-emergency number at 209-385-7445.

Source & photo: Merced County Sheriff's Office