LITTLE ROCK—Miles Andrew Caldwell, 20, of Little Rock, is facing an 84-month federal sentence after a blaze he intentionally ignited at two fitness centers in the city. United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross, for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
Caldwell’s November 16, 2023, actions led to a fire that threatened children and staff at the Little Rock Athletic Club. The smoke-filled hallway forced an evacuation of the facility, with the blaze starting in a paper towel dispenser in the men’s restroom. Caldwell also targeted the second-floor men’s restroom and caused panic among gym-goers.
Later the same day, fire officials were called to 10 Fitness on North Rodney Parham Road after another blaze. The toilet paper dispenser in the handicapped stall was found to be the source of that fire as well.
Caldwell’s five-minute visit to 10 Fitness, where he set the second fire, came under scrutiny. Security footage from both facilities placed him at the scene, and investigators connected his activities through a consistent clothing pattern and items found in his residence.
Caldwell was arrested on November 20, 2023, and pleaded guilty to one count of arson on February 4, 2025. Along with his prison term, Judge Moody sentenced him to three years’ supervised release, with no parole available under the federal system.
The investigation into Caldwell’s crimes was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Little Rock Fire Department, and the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary prosecuted the case. For more information on the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, visit https://www.justice.gov/edar.
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Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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