Sub shop owner to face federal explosives charges

DETROIT (AP) -- A suburban Detroit business owner faces illegal explosives charges in federal court. The Detroit News says a complaint unsealed last Thursday in U.S. District Court accuses 49-year-old Alaa Qasawa of trying to receive, possess and store stolen explosives without a license or permit. Qasawa is from Oakland County's West Bloomfield Township. He was arrested last Wednesday and is being held until a hearing today. Federal officials raided his home and a Tubby's sub shop he owns in Lake Orion. A federal affidavit says that in August, Qasawa asked about buying blasting caps and grenades from a company in Scranton, Pa. Defense lawyer Mitch Ribitwer tells WDIV-TV that Qasawa is a collector who had no malicious intent or plans to use the materials "for any evil purpose." Published: Mon, Sep 10, 2012