MUSKOGEE, OK – Daniel Lewis Moon, 26, of Muskogee, is headed to federal prison for six years after a jury found him guilty of deliberately torching a Dollar General store in Porter, Oklahoma. The blaze, ignited during business hours on March 28, 2020, could have been far worse if not for the quick thinking of employees who evacuated shoppers and staff.
Moon, a former employee of the Dollar General, turned in his two-week notice before allegedly carrying out the arson. Investigators say he intentionally set a fire in a store aisle, causing significant damage before firefighters could get it under control. The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) all contributed to the investigation that led to Moon’s conviction.
The courtroom drama concluded on February 20, 2024, when U.S. District Judge Charles B. Goodwin, presiding over the hearing in Oklahoma City, handed down the 72-month sentence. This isn’t a plea deal; Moon was convicted at trial after a jury weighed the evidence. The sentence is non-parolable, meaning Moon will serve the full term with no opportunity for early release.
The fire wasn’t just property damage. It was a direct threat to the lives of employees and customers. While thankfully no one was injured, the reckless act speaks to a dangerous disregard for public safety. The investigation revealed a calculated move by Moon following his resignation, turning a workplace departure into a criminal act.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick M. Flanigan successfully prosecuted the case, bringing Moon to justice for his actions. Moon is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshal and will be transferred to a designated Bureau of Prisons facility to begin serving his sentence. The case highlights the ATF’s commitment to investigating arson, even when it appears to be a localized incident.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly isolated acts of destruction can carry significant federal penalties. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, led by U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson, continues to prioritize public safety and will vigorously prosecute those who endanger communities through criminal behavior.
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