A 17-year-old Mount Clemens juvenile who allegedly broke into a house and threw an explosive device because a girl living there spurned his advances was arraigned Thursday on four felony charges.

Jonathan Brady is being held in the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens on a $500,000 bond set by 41B District Court Magistrate Ryan Zemke.

During the arraignment proceedings, Assistant Prosecutor Maria Panchenko said the defendant confessed to committing the crimes.

“The victims in this matter are now homeless and the home that was destroyed by the explosive mortar device is no longer inhabitable,” Panchenko said. “He knew that at least two infants under the age of 1 were present, and there were people in total in the home at the time.”

Brady was arraigned on charges of:

• First-degree home invasion
• Second degree arson
• Explosives – placing near property causing property damage
• Explosives – possession of bombs with unlawful intent – causing property damage

Each of the four counts carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Brady has two prior adjudications in juvenile court and has a “history of not complying” with authorities when placed on bond or probation in the past, she added. She expressed concern that Brady may threaten the safety of the girlfriend and her family should he be released.

Public defender Dana Freers said Brady, who turns 18 on May 1, last got into trouble three years ago. He was living with a family friend at the time of fire according to Freers.

The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office said someone broke into the victim’s rental home on Eldredge Street about 3 a.m. April 10 and threw an explosive device — believed to be an M80 — which ignited a fire that consumed the entire house.

Mount Clemens firefighters were able to contain the blaze, but the damage was extensive, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Unit was called to the scene to investigate as well.

No injuries among the seven occupants were reported.

Brady was arrested later that day.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said he decided to charge Brady as an adult due to the circumstances of the case.

“I did not reach the decision to charge Mr. Brady as an adult lightly. The gravity of this crime plus the need to seek justice for the victims and protect the public required this solemn action,” he said in a statement.

Lucido said that while serving in the Michigan Senate, he authored legislation that ended the prosecutorial practice of automatically charging 17 year-olds as adults to provide more discretion and fairness in the justice system. The legislation was signed into law.

“Mr. Brady is accused of committing extremely serious crimes that endangered the lives of seven people and caused a family to lose their home. I am especially outraged that the lives of multiple infants were put at risk,” Lucido said.

During the court proceedings today, the magistrate ordered Brady not to have contact with any of the victims. If he posts bond, Brady must wear a GPS tether, and he is prohibited from using drugs and alcohol. In addition, he cannot be in possession of a firearm, ammunition or any other weapons.

Unless he posts bond, Brady will remain in custody at the Macomb Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) until at least May 1, 2025, when he turns age 18. After that date, the JJC will have the discretion to continue to incarcerate Brady or transfer him to the Macomb County Jail.

Brady will have his probable cause conference and preliminary examination hearing within 21 days before 41-B District Court Judge Sabastian Lucido.

Delvon Lee, who was renting the house with Michelle Lee, have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise a goal amount of $10,000 for essential items, because they literally have nothing left. Flames and smoke badly damaged the interior and all of the family’s belongings.

For anyone who would like to make a donation to the GoFundMe effort, visit gofundme.com/f/huy5r9-fire-leaves-family-without-essentials.

Deputies arrest juvenile suspected of tossing explosive in Macomb County home