Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey, Chief James J. Craparotta of the Jamesburg Police Department, and Chief Michael Zarro of the Spotswood Police Department announced that a man from Spotswood has been arrested and charged with multiple criminal counts stemming from an incident which occurred on June 16, when he ignited an explosive device in the borough.
Police say Mr. Anthony Fede, 52, of Spotswood was arrested on June 17, 2019 and was charged with two counts of aggravated arson in the second degree, three counts of aggravated assault in the second degree, one count of possession of an explosive device for an unlawful purpose in the second degree, one count of unlawful possession of an explosive device in the fourth degree, and one count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
According to police the incident happened at approximately 7:50 am, where Jamesburg Police responded to the Tall Tree Apartments located on Buckelew Avenue on a report of an explosion.
A preliminary investigation determined that Fede placed an explosive device at the window of the apartment and ignited said device.
Police say at the time of the explosion, three occupants were asleep in the room.
Police say on June 17, in compliance with a court order, the Jamesburg Police with the assistance of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT), and the Spotswood Police Department executed a search of Fede’s Spotswood residence.
Recovered from the residence were several boxes of fireworks, marijuana and narcotics, as well as other evidence linking him to the previous explosion.
Additional charges were filed today which include three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled and dangerous substance in the third degree, possession of marijuana in the fourth degree, possession with intent to distribute marijuana in the third degree, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 500 feet of a public park in the second degree, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia a disorderly person offense, possession of a destructive device in the third degree, and possession of explosives for an unlawful purpose in the second degree.
The incident is being investigated by the Jamesburg Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Jason Muller of the Jamesburg Police Department at (732) 521-0011.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Fede are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.