A Laurie man is awaiting federal sentencing after he pleads guilty to illegally storing display fireworks. 

    Sixty-six-year old Michael William Backman of Laurie plead guilty Tuesday in U.S. Western District Federal court to illegally storing a variety of explosive materials.

    Back on July 2^nd of last year, law enforcement found 23 boxes of 1.3 class fireworks in a storage unit Backman rented at Stow and Go self storage in Laurie. Backman admitted in court on Tuesday that he had also illegally stored display fireworks at his business Pro Fireworks, which is housed in the same building as Morgan County Carpet in Laurie. 

    Sentencing for the case has not been set.  The case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Miller.  The Missouri State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigated.