MECHANICSVILLE, Md. (April 15, 2010) – Deputy State Fire Marshals and Maryland State Police arrested a Mechanicsville man in connection with a March 26 boat fire. The fire caused an estimated $3,000 damage to a 30’ sailboat owned by James Robey. Leonard Thomas Dixon, 68, has been charged with Threat of Arson and 2nd Degree Arson.
Dixon was arrested at his home on Dixon Way in Mechanicsville on April 13 without incident. He was transported to St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was processed and released on his own recognizance, pending trial.
Deputy State Fire Marshals were alerted to the 3:30 a.m. boat fire by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on March 26. The scene of the fire was the residence of the suspect, Leonard Dixon, on Dixon Way in Mechanicsville. The sailboat, owned by Robey, was being stored on Dixon’s property.
Investigators determined the fire was in the interior of the 30’ sailboat and was intentionally set. Information developed during the investigation helped determine the fire had been set by the defendant.
If found guilty of both charges, Dixon could be imprisoned for up to 30 years, fined up to $40,000 or both.