Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
DETROIT – A Flat Rock man pleaded guilty today to illegally transporting and receiving an explosive device, announced Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck.
Beck was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Detroit Field Division.
Steven Marchbanks, 58, also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, the investigation arose out of a home explosion in River Rouge, Michigan in June 2024. On that date, Marchbanks purchased an illegal explosive device, thought to be an M-80, from an unknown individual off the street and transported it to the residence, where he left the device unattended with two children. One of the children set off the device. The explosion caused severe injuries to the children and structural damage to the home. Subsequently, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Marchbanks’ house and found two guns that belonged to him. Marchbanks had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and, as a result, cannot legally possess guns.
“The facts of this case show the danger that illegal explosive devices pose to our community. Tragically, this defendant’s actions caused devastating injuries to minor children,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Beck.
“The allegations in this case represent the most horrific unintended consequences associated with poor choices. Steven Marchbanks is a repeat offender prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm. Tragically, he chose to leave an unsecured M80 caliber explosive device with children in the home,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “In a millisecond, a youngchild’s life was changed forever. In the end, Mr. Marchbanks will have several years behind bars to reflect on how his poor decision-making caused serious injuries to a child. Illegal fireworks are extremely dangerous and should never be left stored inside of your home.”
Sentencing is scheduled for July 15, 2025. Marchbanks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for transporting and receiving explosive materials without a license and 15 years in prison for possession of firearms as a felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from River Rouge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan Ho is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.