A 60-year-old man from Vancouver, Washington, has been brought to justice for a crime that shook the community nearly two decades ago. Mark Duane Fuston, also known as ‘Mau Mau,’ pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson in connection with the March 2003 fire that destroyed the ‘Desire Video’ store on NE 94th Avenue in Vancouver.
According to the plea agreement, Fuston was hired to torch the building. He and another man, who is now deceased, acted together to commit the arson. On the night of March 27, 2003, Fuston rerouted a propane line into the building and placed a remote control incendiary device inside. However, when the device malfunctioned, Fuston returned to the building and left a fuel trail, which he later ignited manually. The fire ignited the propane trapped inside the building, causing an explosion and fire that resulted in $850,000 in damage.
Fuston was indicted on March 27, 2013. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Vancouver Police Department, and the Vancouver Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory A. Gruber prosecuted the case.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2013, in front of U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than 37 months in prison. However, Judge Settle is not bound by this recommendation and can sentence Fuston to any sentence up to the five-year maximum.
The case is a reminder of the devastating consequences of arson and the importance of bringing perpetrators to justice. The community can now begin to heal and move forward, knowing that those responsible for the destruction have been held accountable.
The exact criminal charges against Mark Duane Fuston are conspiracy to commit arson. The city and state where the crime occurred are Vancouver, Washington. The exact date of the crime was March 27, 2003. The sentence or outcome of the case is pending, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 16, 2013. The dollar amount of the damage caused by the fire is $850,000.
The defendant’s real full name is Mark Duane Fuston. He is 60 years old and a resident of Vancouver, Washington. The crime occurred in Vancouver, Washington. The sentencing date is December 16, 2013. The recommended prison time is no more than 37 months. The maximum prison time is five years.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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