Pettis County man accused of stealing, selling explosive materials

Charges have been requested for a Pettis County man accused of stealing explosive materials and selling them.

According to the probable cause statement, a witness told Sedalia police and troopers that Richard Kurtz was in possession of some explosive materials. The witness said Kurtz had stolen them from a demolition site and was willing to sell them for $120.

Police said they placed a recording device on the witness and made contact with Kurtz. The witness was able to obtain four blasting caps with yellow and green wire from Kurtz, they said.

Kurtz told an undercover trooper that he found the blasting caps while scrapping, and he did not want them around his house while his children were there.

Kurtz also told the undercover trooper that he had detonated one of the blasting caps in the woods.

Police said they had the caps tested and the investigation revealed that they were consistent with four electric detonators, and the materials were identified as commercial high explosives.

Kurtz could face charges of unlawful possession, transport, manufacturing, repair or sale of illegal weapon.