A Yolo County judge granted $1.5 million bail to former Sheriff's Lieutenant Samuel Machado, owner of the Esparto fireworks facility where a 2025 explosion killed seven men. He faces seven counts of murder.
- Machado must surrender his passport, live at a designated residence, and avoid explosives, fireworks, or weapons. - Prosecutors allege the facility was the hub of an illegal fireworks operation that imported over 11 million pounds of explosives over a decade.
- Four other defendants also face seven counts of murder each; two others face conspiracy charges. - The explosion killed seven men aged 18 to 45 from various California cities.
A hearing for Chan is set for June 5, and a bail motion for Tollefsen is also scheduled that day. All defendants except Machado are due back on July 30.