Andrew Joseph Sanders, Arson, Nevada 2018
A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for setting two separate fires at The Drew Las Vegas, a resort and casino that was under construction at the time of the incidents.
Andrew Joseph Sanders, 28, of Las Vegas, was sentenced on August 28, 2018 by Chief U.S. District Judge Miranda Du to five years in federal prison for lighting two separate fires at The Drew Las Vegas. The fires resulted in millions of dollars in damage.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2018, Sanders trespassed onto the property of The Drew Las Vegas and set two separate fires inside a building, approximately 200 yards apart from one another.
Sanders recorded himself on his cell phone and narrated the act, stating: “and I lit a fire to this [expletive]. I’m just bored, you know?”
After setting the fires, Sanders attempted to flee, but was subdued by two firefighters from the Clark County Fire Department who had to “square off” in a fighting stance with him. The firefighters were delayed in supplying water to their colleagues inside the building, which led to further damage.
Sanders pleaded guilty to one count of arson in October 2019. In addition to the term of imprisonment, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release. The court will determine defendant’s obligation to pay restitution and any amount owing at a later date.
The case is a product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Clark County Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva prosecuted the case.
Anonymous tips may be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt mobile app or by calling the ATF Tip Line at 1-888-ATF-TIPS.
Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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