ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. (July 12, 2010) – Deputy State Fire Marshal’s have charged a Calvert County man with 2nd Degree Arson in connection with a recent boat fire in Hughesville, Charles County. The 40’ fiberglass speed boat was reported as stolen from New Market Turner Road in Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County, and was found burning on James River Court in Hughesville at approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 26.
A joint investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) led authorities to Lawrence Lee Patrick, age 65, as the suspect. A search warrant was subsequently executed on Patrick’s property on Mills Creek Road in Lusby, Calvert County. During the execution of the search warrant, two custom made motors valued at $40,000 each were located. The motors were attached to the speed boat prior to the theft. As result of the theft, Patrick was incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.
Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal executed an arrest warrant at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center Friday afternoon for the additional charges of 2nd Degree Arson stemming from the May 26th fire.
Patrick is awaiting review by the District Court Commissioner for the additional charges. If convicted of the 2nd Degree Arson charges, Patrick could face a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and/or $30,000 in fines.