KESQ.com News Services

MURIETTA - A Lake Elsinore man who blew off his fingers while allegedly handling liquid explosives at his home, which was used as a daycare center and marijuana grow house, pleaded not guilty today to felony charges.

Benjamin Kuzelka, 23, is charged with possession of a destructive device, manufacture of a destructive device, cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

Kuzelka, who blew off most of the fingers of one hand, had his arraignment delayed for more than a month because he was not medically cleared to be transported to court.

Kuzelka walked into a hospital on Oct. 7, saying he had shot himself in the hand, but the medical staff determined that injury was inconsistent with a gunshot wound.

He later allegedly told sheriff's deputies he had blown off most of his hand while handling explosives.

Deputies went to check Kuzelka's home and allegedly found explosives that his younger brother, Grey, had stashed, along with marijuana plants and buds ready for sale.

The house was also the site of a daycare center run by the men's mother. The younger brother was arrested, along with their 55-year-old mother, who was also arraigned today.

Rebecca Kuzelka pleaded not guilty to possession of a destructive device in public, manufacturing a destructive device, cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.