Craig Cutright, Tammy Machado, Samuel Machado, Jack Lee, and Douglas Michael Tollefsen appeared in court. The five are among eight total defendants arrested following a grand jury indictment unsealed Friday that also brought forth murder charges tied to the deadly explosion and an alleged long-running illegal explosives operation at the Esparto site.
During Monday's hearing, no decisions were made and no one entered a plea, as the arraignment has been continued to Thursday for the five defendants. The attorneys for Lee and Tollefsen joined the courtroom virtually, stating they would no longer be representing those clients. Each will now be appointed a public defender.
Sam Machado is a former Yolo County sheriff's lieutenant, and his wife, Tammy Machado, worked as an administrative assistant at the sheriff's office. Prosecutors additionally allege Samuel Machado used his law enforcement background to help shield the operation as it expanded from 13 storage containers in 2015 to more than 50 by 2025, plus a 5,000-square-foot warehouse.
The indictment further alleges that some defendants, including Cutright, were involved in those operations, with authorities saying Cutright, a volunteer Esparto firefighter, was tied to Blackstar Fireworks beginning around 2023, while others were associated with Devastating Pyrotechnics, which is where the explosion occurred.
It was a packed courtroom. Family of the victims, supporters and community members showed up for the arraignment.
"It's already been nine months. The wheels of justice turn very slowly. The family understands that, but they're glad the process has begun," said Ramin Younessi, who is representing the Ramos family.
"The baby, she's beautiful. Identical to my brother, literally twins," said Ramos. "Looking at her just brings me joy."
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