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Two face felony charges for setting off illegal fireworks

Two men from Nesquehoning are facing felony charges for setting off illegal fireworks last weekend.

Police filed charges this week against Andrew Breiner, 33, and Michael Todd Nahaj, 49, both of the unit block of West Garibaldi Avenue.They both face a felony charge of risking catastrophe and a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.Officers were called to the intersection of Garibaldi and Angelini streets in Nesquehoning around 11 p.m. Saturday night for a fireworks complaint.The arresting officer said he observed two men lighting off mortar-style fireworks in the intersection. He followed a man identified as Breiner to a home at 12 W. Garibaldi. Breiner, who police said was intoxicated, was placed in the back of a cruiser after refusing to cooperate with the officer.Another neighbor, Stephanie Cusanelli, approached the officer and told him that the men were drinking at a party she was holding for her wife. She admitted provided them with the fireworks. She identified Nahaj as the other perpetrator, police said.Police went to Nahaj's house, and noted he was also intoxicated. He denied lighting any fireworks and said he was home the entire time.He was arrested and placed in the cruiser as well.Cusanelli told officers that she was a county employee and wanted to cooperate with the investigation. She told the officer Breiner and Nahaj decided to light off the fireworks she provided them after drinking at the party. She told police she had lit off fireworks in the New Columbus Park prior to this incident.Breiner and Nahaj both denied lighting off fireworks when interviewed by police.They are both out on bail awaiting a preliminary hearing on the charges.