Metro Detroit Man Pleads Guilty In Firework Explosion That Hurt 2 Kids

RIVER ROUGE, MI — A Flat Rock man has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a firework explosion that injured two children last summer, according to federal officials.

An 11-year-old girl found a firework inside a River Rouge home on June 27, 2024 and decided to light it thinking it was a sparkler, according to police.

While holding the firework in her hand, it exploded, causing the girl to lose several fingers while her sister was injured by debris from the explosion, according to police.

Steven Marchbanks, 58, pleaded guilty to charges of illegally transporting and receiving an explosive device and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15. He faces up to 10 years in prison for the device and 15 years for the firearms.

Officials said Marchbanks bought the firework from an unknown person, thinking it was M-80, which is a large firecracker and illegal in Michigan. He then took the firework to the River Rouge home where he left it unattended near the two children, officials said.

"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 statement. "In a millisecond, a young child'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."