Esparto Fireworks CEO Arrested at Disney World

In a shocking turn of events, Kenneth Chee, the CEO of Devastating Pyrotechnics, was arrested at Walt Disney World on April 9, 2026. This incident is tied to a tragic explosion in Esparto, California, that occurred on July 1, 2025, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals. Chee’s visit to the iconic theme park with his family became a moment of legal trouble rather than leisure.

Details of the Arrest

Chee was apprehended while visiting Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. Authorities indicate that he was involved in a sprawling illicit fireworks operation across California, leading to his arrest amid an ongoing grand jury investigation. Alongside Chee, at least five others were taken into custody related to the same probe.

Charges and Background

• Chee faces multiple felony charges, including seven counts of murder, one for each victim lost in the explosion.
• The arrest was confirmed by the Orange County Corrections Department, though specific details regarding the location of his arrest within the park remain unclear.

As a former optician from the Bay Area, Chee has been licensed to work with fireworks in California since 2008. However, he has been ineligible for a federal explosives permit, due to a previous violent felony conviction. His company, Devastating Pyrotechnics, had a prior history of workplace safety violations, facing fines exceeding $200,000 from Cal-OSHA.

The Esparto Explosion

The explosion that linked Chee and his associates to the case involved illegal fireworks stored on a property in Yolo County. Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of seven employees, all connected to Chee’s company.

Upcoming Legal Proceedings

The Yolo County grand jury is expected to formally announce the indictments related to the case on April 10, 2026. The aftermath of both the explosion and Chee’s arrest has drawn significant public attention, given the implications of safety regulations concerning fireworks nationwide.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with illegal fireworks operations and the regulatory challenges faced by authorities in governing such activities. Further updates will follow as the legal process unfolds.