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Local Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Arson in Ferguson
A St. Louis County man has pleaded guilty to attempting to set fire to a local grocery store in the midst of a highly charged and tumultuous time in the region.
Last week, Antonio Whiteside, 39, of St. Louis County, entered a guilty plea to one count of attempted arson in connection with an incident at the Ferguson Supermarket, Inc. on November 24, 2014. This date is significant, as it coincided with the announcement by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch that a grand jury had decided not to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.
According to court documents, Whiteside admitted to starting a fire inside the Ferguson Supermarket, Inc. on the aforementioned date. He is facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, a judge will be required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
United States Attorney Richard Callahan praised the close cooperation between county and federal law enforcement officers, which he said enabled law enforcement to solve the case. He noted that the joint investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Unit and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with significant assistance from the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office, was instrumental in bringing Whiteside to justice.
Whiteside’s sentencing has been set for July 23, 2015. His case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of violent and destructive behavior, particularly during times of social unrest and turmoil.
As a community, we must continue to work towards promoting peace, understanding, and respect for one another. The justice system plays a vital role in holding individuals accountable for their actions and upholding the law.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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