Attorneys in Federal Explosives Case Discussing Non-Trial Resolution

DETROIT — Attorneys for a West Bloomfield man facing explosives charges stemming from a federal investigation are discussing a situation which would avoid trial.

Alaa Manuel Qasawa, 49, a sandwich shop franchisee whose family home and business in Lake Orion were raided in September, is accused of trying to receive, possess and store stolen explosives without a license or permit. His preliminary examination is rescheduled to next February, according to court documents filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court.

A federal affidavit said that in August, Qasawa asked about buying detonators and grenades from a company in Scranton, PA. The Federal Bureau of Investigations said they concluded Qasawa — who is not licensed to have explosives by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or the Oakland County Sheriff's Office — was attempting to manufacture explosive devices.

In a September interview with WJBK-TV at Qasawa's arraignment, his attorney Mitchell Ribitwer said that Qasawa is merely a "collector" of explosives, with "no evil intent."

Read more:

• FBI Conducts Raid at West Bloomfield Home
• West Bloomfield Man Faces Federal Explosives Charges