On October 17th, 2025, I experienced a life-changing event when the ATF and Yolo County DA's office unexpectedly visited my home. As the vice president of the Western Pyrotechnic Association (WPA), I volunteer my time to help support our pyro community and am responsible for maintaining the club's ATF records at my residence. This responsibility, while important, also means that my home is subject to searches by the authorities without a warrant.

The situation became complicated when, in 2024, I picked up a donation box that I believed contained chemicals for the club. Unfortunately, it turned out that the box included some mixed listed materials, which led to the recent visit from law enforcement. As a result, I now find myself needing to hire an attorney to defend myself and navigate the legal process. The initial fee to retain legal counsel is substantial, and as someone who works at a college, I simply do not have the disposable income to cover these unexpected expenses.

I am reaching out to my friends, family, and the broader community for help. Any support you can provide will go directly toward my legal defense and help me get through this challenging time. Your generosity, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference and is deeply appreciated. Thank you for considering a donation and for standing by me during this difficult period.