River Rouge, Michigan – A man from Flat Rock, Michigan, has entered a guilty plea in connection to an incident that resulted in an 11-year-old girl losing multiple fingers in a fireworks explosion. Steven Marchbanks, 58, faced charges of transporting and receiving an explosive device illegally and being a felon in possession of firearms.
Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck and James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Detroit Field Division, revealed the guilty plea on Monday. The charges against Marchbanks stemmed from a tragic home explosion that took place in River Rouge in June 2024. It was determined that Marchbanks had acquired an illegal explosive, believed to be an M-80, from an unidentified person and had then brought it to the residence where it was left unattended with two children.
Tragically, one of the children, 11-year-old Caitlyn Conway, ignited the device, leading to the loss of part of her hand and causing damage to the home’s structure. The young girl’s sister also sustained minor injuries from the explosion. James Deir expressed his remorse, highlighting the severe consequences of poor decision-making. Additionally, it was discovered during the investigation that Marchbanks, a repeat offender with a history of felony convictions, was in possession of firearms, which he was prohibited from owning.
As the case progresses, sentencing is set for July 15, with Marchbanks facing potential sentences of up to 10 years in prison for transporting and receiving explosive materials without a license, and up to 15 years for possessing firearms as a felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in collaboration with the River Rouge Police Department, conducted a thorough investigation into the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan Ho is responsible for prosecuting the case, seeking justice for the victims affected by this tragic event.