CHARLES COUNTY, Md.—An intensive investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal has resulted in three men being arrested for an 8:53 p.m. dwelling fire that caused approximately $150,000 in damages to a two-story dwelling on December 10, 2012 at 4620 Strauss Avenue in Indian Head.
Approximately 45 firefighters from Bryans Road, Potomac Heights, Accokeek, Waldorf, Marbury and La Plata Volunteer Fire Departments controlled the one alarm fire within 20 minutes after arrival. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Jermaine Jay Mason, age 25, Joseph Glen Riley, age 24, both of Charles County and Jonathon Laquan Bell, age 26, of Prince George’s County have been charged with 1st Degree Arson, 4th Degree Burglary and Malicious Destruction of Property for their involvement with, breaking and entering the unoccupied home and intentionally setting a fire on the front porch. Mason was arrested at the Deluxe Inn in La Plata and Riley was arrested at his residence in Indian Head without incident and transported to the Charles County Detention Center. Bell was served an arrest warrant at the Detention Center where he was being held on unrelated charges.
If convicted of the charges, all three suspects face penalties of up to 36 years imprisonment and/or $52,500 in fines.