Lacey Rae Moore, 44, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for intentionally starting fires at Forest Place Apartments in Little Rock, Arkansas. The fires, including one that destroyed an entire building, displaced at least 79 people and injured a Little Rock firefighter.
On May 16, 2013, Moore set fire to the North Building at Forest Place Apartments, forcing the evacuation of 350-400 people. The fire destroyed the building and left 79 people permanently displaced. Moore was also responsible for a June 28, 2013, fire in the South Building that forced the evacuation of 100 people and displaced another 11.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the fires, with assistance from the Little Rock Fire Department, the Arkansas State Police, and the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens.
Moore pleaded guilty to Counts 4 and 7 of an eight-count indictment, which charged her with seven fires, including the use of an unregistered explosive device in another fire at a Little Rock residence. The indictment also included charges related to the fires at Forest Place Apartments.
Today, the Honorable Billy Roy Wilson sentenced Moore to nine years on Count 4 and seven years on Count 7, ordering that the sentences be run consecutively for a total of 16 years, with five years of supervised release to follow. In addition, Judge Wilson ordered Moore to pay $12,558,802.82 in restitution, which accounts for the property damage to Forest Place Apartments, as well as personal property insurance claims from multiple victims.
The sentence shows just how serious Moore’s crimes were and the harm it caused to the residents of Forest Place Apartments. ‘Today’s sentence will give some measure of closure to the many families that were impacted by these fires,’ said United States Attorney Christopher R. Thyer.
Moore’s crimes resulted in significant property damage and displaced numerous residents, causing a significant impact on the community. The sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of arson and the importance of community safety.
Related Federal Cases
- Peter Francis Stager, Assaulting Officers with a Dangerous Weapon, Arkansas 2023 · Michigan
- Richard Barnett, Capitol Breach, Arkansas 2021 · District of Columbia
- Levi White, Excessive Force, Arkansas 2022 · Arkansas
- Musab Mohammed Masmari, Arson, Washington 2014 · Florida
- Mark Duane Fuston, Conspiracy to Commit Arson, Washington 2003 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
