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Man Convicted Of Storing Explosives In His Reseda Home

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal jury has convicted a Los Angeles man of illegally storing toxic chemicals and explosive hazardous waste, including unstable gunpowder, in his home.

The cache of dangerous materials was discovered in June 2009 when a fire broke out at 64-year-old Edward Wyman's home in the San Fernando Valley community of Reseda. Exploding ammunition forced firefighters to wear bulletproof vests while battling the fire.

Prosecutors say the home contained thousands of rounds of corroded ammunition, lead-contaminated waste from shooting ranges, hundreds of pounds of decades-old gunpowder, military cannon powder and industrial solvents classified as hazardous waste.

Wyman, who was convicted Tuesday, faces up to 15 years in prison when he's sentenced July 11.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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