Willie Tremaine Johnson, Attempted Arson, Wisconsin 2020

MADISON, Wis. – In a shocking case of attempted arson, Willie Tremaine Johnson, 46, of Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 5 years in prison for his role in setting fire to two commercial buildings during the 2020 civil unrest in Madison.

Johnson pleaded guilty to the crime, which occurred in the early morning hours of August 25, 2020. The attempted arson targeted Business A, an office building, and Business B, a mixed-use rental property with apartments on the upper levels and retail space on the street level.

At Business A, Johnson helped a group of people break out the building’s front windows, and another individual poured gasoline along the walls. Johnson then lit material that had been tossed onto the gasoline, causing the vapors to ignite.

At Business B, Johnson, along with several other people, broke out the retail store’s windows. With the interior of the building exposed, another individual poured gasoline along the front walls. Johnson attempted to ignite the gasoline vapors with a cigarette lighter but fled when officers from the Madison Police Department arrived.

“Arson should never be confused with legitimate protest,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea. “Those who engage in such conduct without regard for the potentially deadly consequences will be held accountable.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted the case, which was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Johnson’s codefendant, Anessa Fierro, is still awaiting her sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for October 19, 2021. Fierro has not yet pleaded guilty to the charges, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Willie Johnson displayed a complete disregard for the safety of others by committing these acts,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ortiz. “A fire can easily consume a building in mere minutes, putting every occupant or passerby at risk of serious injury or death.”

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