Arson Rocks Erie Coffee Shop During Protest
An Erie man was charged with malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives after allegedly setting a fire at a local coffee shop during a protest on May 30, 2020, authorities said.
Melquan Barnett, 28, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was taken into federal custody this afternoon in Erie, Pennsylvania, for his alleged role in setting a fire at Ember + Forge, a coffee shop located at 401 State Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, during a public disturbance.
According to the FBI, video footage from Facebook live and Ember + Forge depict an individual shattering the coffee shop’s window that faces State Street and then setting a fire inside. The video surveillance footage from Ember + Forge also shows a neck tattoo on the left side of the individual’s neck.
A review of additional Facebook public video footage from the area of State Street near City Hall in Erie on the evening of May 30, 2020, shows the same individual without the mask but wearing identical clothing and shoes. The subject’s face is fully visible in this video footage.
Officers of the Erie Police Department have reviewed the video footage and identified Melquan Barnett as the individual depicted in this video footage from State Street on May 30, 2020.
Barnett is scheduled to make his initial appearance on June 4, 2020, before Magistrate Judge Richard A. Lanzillo in U.S. District Court in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Related Federal Cases
- Gregory Brown, Jr., Malicious Destruction of Property by Fire, Penn… · Pennsylvania
- Richard Barnett Sentenced to 54 Months for Capitol Breach, Gravette… · Pennsylvania
- Richard Barnett Convicted of Capitol Breach, Washington DC, 2021 · Washington
- Brian Gundersen, Assaulting Law Enforcement, Pennsylvania, 2021 · Pennsylvania
- Nicole Hilstolsky, Theft from a Financial Institution, Pennsylvania… · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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