Felony charge dropped against Richmond man in garage explosion

LOGAN — A 48-year-old Richmond man who was charged with felony recklessness with an incendiary device has waived his right to a preliminary hearing, as prosecutors reduced the charges against him. Derek Parkinson was hospitalized after an explosion at his home on December 26, 2017.

Deputies with the Cache County Sheriff’s Office responded to the suspect’s home after receiving report of the blast. He was taken to the hospital with injuries to his arm and face.

At the time, investigators claimed Parkinson was in his garage mixing black powder for homemade fireworks before the blast occurred.

During Wednesday’s hearing in 1st District Court, Cache County deputy attorney Spencer Walsh said they were dropping the incendiary device charge. He explained that previous testimony given made it difficult for prosecutors to prove what specifically led to the explosion.

Nine charges still remain, including possession or use of a controlled substance, reduced to a third-degree felony; and eight misdemeanors.

Parkinson requested that the remaining charges against him be referred to Drug Court, a courtroom program supervised by a judge. During which, he’ll undergo treatment and counseling, make regular appearances before the judge, submit to frequent and random drug testing, and be monitored by probation officers.

Parkinson told the court he was burned pretty badly in the blast. He said he was doing much better now.

Judge Brian Cannell said Parkinson looked better. He wished him luck getting his addictions under control.


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