LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In a chilling tale of greed and devastation, Peter Argyris, 46, and his mother Joann Argyris, 67, have been hit with federal charges for the fiery destruction of their mini-mart in North Las Vegas back in 2010, an act that led to the tragic death of one man.
The duo, accused of intentionally burning down the JCW Mini-Mart, were indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple counts including conspiracy to commit arson, arson resulting in death, and mail fraud. The alleged scheme was aimed at collecting insurance proceeds totaling approximately $4.7 million.
According to U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden for the District of Nevada, if convicted, Peter Argyris and Joann Argyris could face life in prison on the conspiracy and arson charges, alongside substantial fines and lengthy sentences for mail fraud. The ATF Special Agents arrested them yesterday evening, setting today’s arraignment and plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Foley, Jr.
“The allegations against the defendants are very serious,” Bogden emphasized. “A life was lost in this fire, and we will use all federal resources to ensure those responsible for this crime are brought to justice.” Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Riehl echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the heinous nature of death by arson and the community’s grief.
The indictment details how the Argyris Enterprises, LLC, owned the mini-mart and insurance policy on the property. The conspiracy was carried out from June to September 2010, culminating in a fire that razed the store to the ground. Peter Argyris submitted an insurance claim for nearly $1.4 million, falsely claiming the damage wasn’t caused by any act of his own.
This case is currently under investigation by the ATF, North Las Vegas Fire Department, and North Las Vegas Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith, Jr., prosecuting the charges.
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Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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