Local News in Brief : Owner of Ammunition Firm Put on Probation

Two Van Nuys residents were sentenced Wednesday for illegally storing military-type explosives without required state permits at their Northridge ammunition business.

Jessica Milberger, 51, owner of the business, Spectrum West International, in the 18600 block of Parthenia Street, was put on three years’ probation by San Fernando Superior Court Judge Robert D. Fratianne. She also was ordered to pay $150 to a restitution fund.

Milberger’s ex-husband, Wyant John Lamont, 56, who helped her run the business, was sentenced to one year in County Jail. However, Fratianne suspended the sentence because of Lamont’s frail health. Lamont suffered a heart attack last year and was hospitalized on two additional occasions for his heart condition.

Lamont also was ordered to pay a $500 fine. His punishment was stiffer because of a previous felony conviction that would have prevented his getting any operating permits for the business. The district attorney’s office had argued that Milberger had been listed as head of the company so that some permits could be obtained.

Milberger and Lamont were charged with illegal storage of explosives in August after Los Angeles police confiscated nine tons of explosives during a raid at the business.