TROY – Over three tons of suspected illegal fireworks were seized from two Troy residents accused of illegally selling the fireworks from a tractor-trailer which has also been seized.
The investigation began after a Troy Police Department detective received a call on May 22, 2026 concerning possible illegal fireworks, according to an affidavit filed in support of forfeiting the seized property.
The call came from a concerned resident who reported that her neighbors, Jason and Rachel Ellis, “sell and possess a large quantity of fireworks” at their property in the 300 block of Orchard Court in Troy. The neighbor reported being especially concerned given a Troy house fire and multiple explosions that left three people dead at ages 12, 18, and 19 earlier this year.
The neighbor said the couple has purchased bulk quantities of fireworks each year for the past four years and has stored them in an air-conditioned enclosed trailer on the property while selling them to nearby residents.
“[The neighbor] stated that most of the Orchard Court neighborhood buys fireworks from them, and there are multiple vehicles per day that stop to purchase fireworks,” the affidavit states. “Every year, the Ellis family has a large firework display, which has grown larger every year and has caused significant damage to her trampoline and gazebo roof.”
The detective then obtained records from the company that delivered the fireworks to Ellis residence, showing 98 cartons of various fireworks totaling 6,040 pounds, including 36 pounds of fireworks “labeled as Professional Use Only.” An Illinois Department of Natural Resources official was unable to locate a valid Pyrotechnic Operator license for either homeowner.
Under the Illinois Explosives Act, fireworks in amounts over 1,001 pounds are required to be stored at least 230 feet away from any dwelling. The trailer reportedly used to store the fireworks in this instance was located five feet or less from the residence.
A search warrant was executed on the residence and trailer on June 12, 2026, when 6,040 pounds of fireworks were seized from the property. This included 3,160 pounds of fireworks in the enclosed trailer and 2,880 pounds located in a garage. The trailer reportedly featured display shelves for the fireworks with affixed price tags, in the style of a retail store.
The Troy Police Department detective was assisted by specialists with the FBI and Department of Natural Resources, as well as a Bomb Squad Technician with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, who took possession of the fireworks and transported them to a secure bunker.
“It is suspected that Jason and Rachel Ellis are in illegal possession of regulated explosives/fireworks and illegal storage,” the affidavit states. “From my training and experience, possessing 6,040 pounds of consumer grade fireworks is in violation of the Pyrotechnic Use Act … and the Illinois Explosives Act.”
In addition to the fireworks, an enclosed trailer belonging to Jason Ellis under the company name “Water Doctors of St. Louis” was also seized by authorities on the same date. All seized property is set to be held until the forfeiture proceedings have concluded.
As of this writing, no felony charges have been filed in Madison County against either individual in connection to the alleged illegal possession, storage, and/or retail sale of fireworks.
