Former Lieutenant Granted $1.5 Million Bail in Esparto Fireworks Explosion That Killed Seven

A Yolo County judge has set bail at $1.5 million for Samuel Machado, a former Yolo County Sheriff's lieutenant and owner of the Esparto fireworks facility where a devastating explosion killed seven men in June 2025. Machado appeared in court on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, as the case continues to unfold.

The judge ordered that if Machado is released, he must surrender his passport, reside at a designated location, and refrain from possessing any explosives, fireworks, or weapons. Prosecutors had requested GPS monitoring, but the judge denied that motion.

The explosion occurred at Machado's property, which housed Devastating Pyrotechnics, a fireworks operation. A Yolo County grand jury indictment charges Machado, Kenneth Chee, Gary Chan Jr., Jack Lee, and Douglas Tollefsen with seven counts of murder each.

Prosecutors allege the defendants were part of an illegal fireworks operation that imported and sold explosives across Northern California for years.

According to the indictment, Machado's property became the hub for two fireworks companies: Devastating Pyrotechnics and Blackstar Fireworks. More than 11 million pounds of explosives were brought onto the property over a decade, with approximately 1 million pounds stored there at the time of the explosion.

The businesses allegedly sold fireworks under private-label brands including "Bean Day Ho," "For the Streets," "Big Bully," and "Double OG."

Ronald Botelho III and Craig Cutright also face conspiracy charges related to the operation. Machado's wife, Tammy Machado, was previously arrested on separate charges including mortgage fraud, filing a false tax return, child endangerment, and animal cruelty.

She remains out of custody after posting bail.

A hearing regarding Chan's legal representation is scheduled for June 5, and Tollefsen is expected back in court the same day for a bail motion hearing. All defendants except Samuel Machado are expected to return for a status conference and further arraignment on July 30.

The explosion claimed the lives of: Angel Mathew Voller, 18, of Stockton; Carlos Javier Rodriguez-Mora, 43, of San Andreas; Neil Justin Li, 41, of San Francisco; Joel Jeremias Melendez, 28, of Sacramento; Christopher Goltiao Bocog, 45, of San Francisco; Jesus Manaces Ramos, 18, of San Pablo; and Jhony Ernesto Ramos, 22, of San Pablo.