Ex-teacher accused of paying students for help making bomb

NEW YORK (AP) - A former high school teacher and his brother were accused on Thursday of stockpiling explosive materials in their apartment and paying students to dismantle fireworks for gunpowder to make bombs.

Christian Toro and his brother, Tyler Toro, were charged in a federal complaint with unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device. Christian Toro also was charged with distribution of explosive materials to a minor.

The brothers pleaded not guilty and were being held pending their next court date. There was no immediate response to requests for comment from their attorneys.

Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio praised law enforcement for halting the brothers' plans.

"The brave men and women of the (New York Police Department) and of the FBI have done extraordinary work and, in this case, likely saved many, many lives," de Blasio said at a news conference.

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