Darius Raymond Stewart, Arson, Maryland 2015

Baltimore, Maryland – In a shocking display of destruction, Darius Raymond Stewart, 22, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property by fire, arising from the arson of a liquor store on April 27, 2015, during the riots following the death of Freddie Gray. The devastating incident left one victim seriously injured inside the store, and another escaped with minor injuries.

According to the plea agreement, on April 27, 2015, during civil unrest in the wake of the funeral for Freddie Gray, widespread looting and multiple structure and vehicle fires were set in Baltimore. The two owners of a liquor store located on West North Avenue were inside their store when the first wave of approximately 20 to 30 people entered the business and began banging on the bulletproof plexiglass window with pipes and crow bars. The group was chased off by a community member.

Shortly thereafter, a second wave of approximately 150 people entered the business and began ransacking and looting the store. One of the business owners was assaulted, resulting in a head injury requiring stitches, and was eventually rescued by police. Surveillance footage captured individuals robbing and repeatedly assaulting the owner as he was outside his store while it was being looted.

The second owner fled upstairs and was able to hide on an enclosed balcony as the looters broke down the door and looted the second floor. At approximately 8:30 p.m. that night, Stewart set three fires inside the store. Surveillance footage clearly captured Stewart starting the fires and then going out to the street to get paper and cardboard to feed the fires he had set.

Smoke from the fires spread upstairs where the second owner was hiding. He was able to escape the burning building by using the gutter in an effort to slow his fall as he jumped to the ground. He suffered head trauma and injured his ankle. He was able to escape in his vehicle.

The damage caused by the fire was extensive and it is estimated that it will cost approximately $350,000 to repair and restore the building. Stewart has agreed to the entry of an order to pay restitution of at least $350,000.

The case is a stark reminder that citizens deserve to know that the rule of law will be upheld, and criminals who destroy property and jeopardize lives will be held accountable. United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF and the Baltimore City Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Judson T. Mihok, who is prosecuting the case.

Stewart will be sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

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