Erie Arsonist Tony Crawford Faces 20 Years

ERIE, Pa. – A six-year-old cold case has cracked open with the federal indictment of Tony Crawford, 32, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania. Crawford is accused of intentionally torching Fred’s Beds and Furniture, a local business located at 117 East 12th Street, back on February 5, 2016. The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury in Erie, charges him with one count of malicious destruction of property by fire.

Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced the charges today, signaling a renewed push to bring closure to a crime that once rocked the city. The blaze, investigators say, wasn’t a tragic accident – it was a deliberate act. Details surrounding the motive remain sealed, but the indictment alleges Crawford directly caused the fire that gutted the furniture store.

“Any person who intentionally sets a fire is a danger to our community,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those responsible for committing arsons are held accountable.” The investigation, a joint effort between multiple agencies, highlights the dedication to pursuing even years-old arson cases.

If convicted, Crawford faces a hefty penalty. The law stipulates a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, along with a potential fine of $250,000, or both. However, Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold, who is prosecuting the case, emphasized that the final sentence will be determined by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the severity of the offense and Crawford’s criminal history, if any.

The investigation leading to Crawford’s indictment was a collaborative effort, involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Erie Police Department, and the Erie Fire Department. Resources were pooled and evidence re-examined to build a case strong enough to secure an indictment after all this time.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Crawford is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the streets of Erie and beyond.