Nail Salon Owner Gets 46 Months for Arson Plot

CINCINNATI – A cutthroat competition turned criminal when Kim Lien Vu, 46, of Liberty Township, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for attempting to torch a rival nail salon in Monroe, Ohio. Vu admitted in a guilty plea last September to conspiring to commit malicious destruction by fire – a scheme fueled by professional jealousy and a willingness to break the law.

The animosity began brewing in December 2022, when Vu allegedly approached an employee with the idea of exacting revenge on the competing salon. That employee, Cierra Marie Bishop, 30, of Hamilton, Ohio, quickly became Vu’s accomplice, and the pair began plotting a fiery attack. Bishop took the lead in constructing a remote-controlled incendiary device, a small but dangerous box designed to start a fire. Texts between the two women revealed the operation was chillingly referred to as “Job 1.”

On February 5th, the plot moved into action. Surveillance footage captured Bishop and a third co-defendant, Makahla Ann Rennick, 19, of Hamilton, Ohio, entering the competitor’s salon. Rennick, posing as “Katelynn” at Vu’s direction – and with instructions to “Just use another name. Sound white.” – secured a pedicure appointment. Vu, meanwhile, was strategically positioned, either traveling to or already at a property she owned in Virginia, establishing an alibi. Rennick’s appointment was a distraction, allowing Bishop to scout the location for the device.

Bishop slipped away during Rennick’s appointment and, after searching the salon, concealed the makeshift bomb under a desk in the restroom area. A sharp-eyed employee soon discovered the suspicious package, which reeked of gasoline. Recognizing it as a potential explosive, the employee moved it outside near the salon’s dumpsters. Shortly after, the device ignited, causing a small dumpster fire. Monroe police and fire crews responded to the scene, effectively halting the arson attempt.

Throughout the entire operation, Vu remained in constant communication with Bishop, orchestrating the plan from afar. All three women – Vu, Bishop, and Rennick – were indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023. Bishop has already pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. This case highlights the dangerous lengths some will go to in the pursuit of business advantage.

The sentence was imposed on April 24 by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, alongside leaders from the FBI, ATF, HSI, and Monroe Police Chief Bob Buchanan, announced the conviction. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy S. Mangan prosecuted the case. “Grimy Times” will continue to follow the sentencing of co-defendant Bishop.