PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 12, 2007

Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
William.Smith@rcda.nyc.gov

Felony Indictment Filed Against S.I. Man for Storage of Potentially Dangerous Chemicals in Residence
*** Miguel Serrano, 57, Indicted by on Charge of 1st Degree Reckless Endangerment ***

STATEN ISLAND, NY – Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. today announced that a Richmond County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Miguel Serrano, (DOB: 12/19/1949) of Ada Drive, accusing the defendant of one count of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, a Class D felony, carrying a top penalty of up to 7 years in prison.

The charges relate to a search of the defendant’s home on June 28, 2007, which uncovered that the defendant, in close proximity to neighboring homes, did possess, store and maintain large quantities of dangerous chemicals, namely: Hydrogen Peroxide 35% concentration, Potassium Perchlorate, Potassium Permanganate, Elemental Mercury, Magnesium Metal, Iodine, Sodium Metal, Potassium Nitrate, Sulfur, Iron Powder, Ammonium Dichromate, Iron Oxide, Isopropanol, Potassium Chlorate, Diethylphythalate, Piperazine HCl, Charcoal and Aluminum metal.

District Attorney Donovan stated, “Our investigation has uncovered no indication that Mr. Serrano was engaged in any activity that would benefit, nor was he associated with, any known terrorist groups; rather, we believe that he was reselling the chemicals that he had bought in bulk, via the internet. However, the combination of chemicals in his home posed a grave risk of death or injury to the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, while more chemicals were recovered in a storage unit rented by Mr. Serrano, our investigation determined that the quantity of material, as well as how they were stored, did not create a condition which would lead to criminal charges.”

Miguel Serrano is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment Wednesday, July 18, 2007, before Justice Leonard P. Rienzi in State Supreme Court. The defendant has been held on $250,000 bail since his arraignment in Staten Island Criminal Court on June 29, 2007.

The case against Miguel Serrano is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Karen Varriale, under the supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Koller. The defendant is represented by Brian King, Esq.

The public is reminded than an indictment is merely an accusation, and that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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