For two years, Jason Muzzicato terrorized his ex-girlfriend, according to a federal prosecutor.
He used a drone to try to drop bombs on her Washington Township, Northampton County, property even though she had a protection-from-abuse order against him, according to a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kishan Nair.
The homemade bombs found on the girlfriend’s property and her neighbor’s property led to a months-long investigation by federal and state authorities, Nair wrote.
“His actions clearly demonstrate that he has a complete disregard for the law, the authority of the courts, and the general safety and welfare of others and the community at large,” Nair wrote.
Muzzicato, 45, was sentenced Thursday to five years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr.
Defense attorney John Waldron notes in his sentencing memorandum that Muzzicato was never charged with using a drone to drop bombs on anyone’s property. Muzzicato pleaded guilty last December to possessing homemade bombs and five guns despite the protection-from-abuse order and to owning an unlicensed drone.
He was initially accused of owing 10 guns illegally. Waldron said five of the guns belong to Muzzicato’s sons.
Authorities found guns and bombs when they raided his home in the first block of Flicksville Road in Washington Township and the garage where he works in the 200 block of North Main Street in Bangor.
Nair said Muzzicato was a methamphetamine user.
“The defendant’s drug use, coupled with his use of an illegal drone, explosive devices, firearms and an obsession-driven violation of a PFA order are a recipe for disaster,” Nair said.
Muzzicato obtained the guns for self-defense after he was confronted on his property by a large man with a large knife, Waldron wrote. Muzzicato wielded a toy gun at the man to compel him to leave, but the man vowed to return, according to his defense attorney.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams argued that Muzzicato “terrorized an entire community" with a "combination of homemade bombs, guns and a drone.
“His blatant disregard for court orders, the law and others' personal safety made him a true threat, and we are grateful to our law enforcement partners that Muzzicato was identified and arrested before anyone was physically hurt," Williams stated after Thursday’s sentencing. "Our office will continue to work with our partners to ensure the security of our communities is not threatened by people who hide behind a remote control.”
Muzzicato was born in Bethlehem and attended Allen High School in Allentown through 11th grade, Nair wrote in his memo.
Federal guidelines called for a sentence between 46 and 57 months in prison. Muzzicato must also serve three years' probation under the punishment handed down by Leeson.
The U.S. Attorney's office filed these photographs Tuesday of firearms and explosive devices they say were found in Jason Muzzicato's Northampton County home.Courtesy photos | For lehighvalleylive.com
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Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. If there’s anything about this story that needs attention, please email him. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
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