Memphis Men Plead Guilty to Arson Spree

MEMPHIS, TN – In a shocking case of arson, two Memphis men have pleaded guilty to conspiring to set fire to three separate tax service businesses in the city.

Dantoni Colbert, 35, and Edward Matthews, Jr., 33, both of Memphis, TN, entered guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy to commit arson and arson of three separate tax service businesses, Washington Tax Services, in the Memphis area on February 6 and 7, 2023. The arsons posed a significant threat to the safety of the community, including first responders.

The investigation revealed that Colbert and Matthews conspired to set fire to the buildings, which resulted in significant damage and financial losses for the businesses. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Fire Department led the investigation, which was praised by United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz.

“Arson is a dangerous crime that threatens the safety of the community – and in particular, the safety of first responders in our city,” Ritz stated. “Individuals who commit arson of businesses in West Tennessee will continue to get the full attention of law enforcement.”

Matthews pleaded guilty on February 8, 2024, to all four counts of the indictment before United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker. Colbert followed suit on May 15, 2024, also pleading guilty to all four counts before Judge Parker. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of up to 20 years in federal prison, plus up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.

Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Wagner and Stephen Hall are prosecuting the case, with the support of law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanked the ATF Nashville Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson for his commitment to investigating these types of crimes.

“Arson is used to intimidate, harm, or for criminal profit through fraudulent insurance proceeds,” Watson said. “ATF is committed to protecting the public and will continue to vigorously investigate these criminal acts.”

For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.