A 64-year-old North Andover man, connected with an explosion this past summer, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to possessing more than 30 firearms and explosives as a convicted felon.
Daniel Medina pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of explosives and as a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for April 3. Medina was charged in October by criminal complaint.
Prosecutors say police were sent July 1 to the area of Medina’s North Andover home after receiving a report of an explosion. They found damage to two vehicles and a mail addressed to Medina under a damaged rear passenger door. They said damage and materials left behind were consistent with common items used in making homemade explosive devices, specifically ball bearings or shrapnel. Witnesses said they saw Medina running from the damaged cars toward his residence following the explosion.
During a search of Medina’s home the next day, police seized 32 firearms, including 12 rifles, 15 pistols, three shotguns and two antique firearms; 9,000 rounds of ammunition; 75 magazines for various caliber firearms; various firearm parts; a Glock switch device; books related to making firearms and explosives and drugs; shrapnel accessories such as BBs and ball bearings; firework containers; and various containers of powders.