ADAMS COUNTY (WAOW) -
The man accused of operating explosive fireworks that
injured almost a dozen people in Adams
County has pleaded no
contest to three misdemeanor charges.
Court records show Michael Rose, 66 of Wisconsin Rapids, was facing one count of
negligent use of an explosive. That was then changed earlier this week to three
misdemeanors of negligent use of burning materials, all to which he pleaded no
contest.
The incident occurred outside Romano's Pizzeria in Rome in July 2011.
According to court documents, people hoping to see the show should have been at
least 350 feet away. It says on-lookers were as close as 39 feet.
Court records say Rose didn't know how far away people had
to be. But they say a proper permit was issued.
The court has ordered Rose to pay more than $800 in fines.
If those are not paid in time, court documents say he could spend a few days in
jail.
Rose was not immediately available for comment. A message
was left for his lawyer as well.