Investigations

On September 3, 2019, a superseding indictment filed in U.S. District Court, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, charged Jason Muzzicato with possession of firearms and homemade bombs while using a controlled substance and knowingly operating an unregistered aircraft (specifically, a drone). In June 2019, approximately 2 months before DOT-OIG joined the investigation, Muzzicato was charged with possession of firearms by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order, which is prohibited by Federal law, and with possession of an improvised explosive device.

 

According to the superseding indictment, Muzzicato possessed firearms and homemade bombs while he was using methamphetamine and was still subject to the domestic violence order. Specifically, he had a DJI Phantom 3 unmanned aerial vehicle (the drone), 7 improvised explosive devices, and 10 firearms, including several AR-15 rifles and semiautomatic pistols.

 

DOT-OIG joined the investigation in August 2019 and is currently working on the case with the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Washington Township Police Department; Pennsylvania State Police; and Bethlehem Fire Department.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.