A Las Vegas convenience store fire in 2010 that resulted in the death of a man has led to federal charges against the store’s owner and his mother. Peter Argyris and Joann Argyris have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit arson, arson resulting in death, use of fire to commit mail fraud, six counts of mail fraud, and criminal forfeiture.
The indictment alleges that Argyris Enterprises, LLC, owned a commercial property at 3820 E. Craig Road in North Las Vegas, which housed a gas station, convenience store and restaurant called the JCW Mini-Mart. The defendants held an insurance policy on the property for approximately $4.7 million.
According to the allegations, from about June to September 2010, the defendants conspired and devised a scheme to intentionally burn down the mini-mart in order to collect the insurance proceeds. On Sept. 19, 2010, the defendants caused the mini-mart to be destroyed by fire, which resulted in the death of B.D.
“The allegations against the defendants are very serious,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden. “Not only did the fire destroy the property, but a life was lost. We will use federal resources to ensure that the persons who committed this crime for monetary gain are convicted and punished.”
“Death by an act of arson is a heinous crime and leaves a devastating impact on the victim’s family and the community,” said Special Agent in Charge, Joseph M. Riehl. “ATF and its partners will aggressively pursue this investigation and bring those responsible to justice.”
If convicted, Argyris and his mother face up to life in prison on the conspiracy and arson charges, 10 years consecutive on the use of fire to commit mail fraud charge, up to 20 years in prison on each mail fraud charge, and fines of up to $250,000 on each count.
Argyris and his mother were arrested yesterday evening by ATF Special Agents, and are scheduled for an arraignment and plea at 3:00 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Foley, Jr.
Defendant/Respondent: Peter Argyris and Joann Argyris
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit arson, arson resulting in death, use of fire to commit mail fraud, six counts of mail fraud, and criminal forfeiture
City and State: Las Vegas, Nevada
Exact Date: September 19, 2010
Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled for arraignment and plea on May 22, 2024, faces up to life in prison, 10 years consecutive on the use of fire to commit mail fraud charge, up to 20 years in prison on each mail fraud charge, and fines of up to $250,000 on each count
Dollar Amounts: $4.7 million insurance policy, $1.4 million insurance claim
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Related Federal Cases
- Peter Argyris, Arson Resulting in Death, Nevada 2010 · Nevada
- Michael Stickler, Theft of Federal Grant Money, Nevada 2015 · Idaho
- Steven E. Jones, Wire Fraud, Nevada 2019 · Idaho
- Kyle Archie, Stealing Employee Tax Withholdings, Nevada 2009 · Wisconsin
- Martin Sagaga Lio Jr, Mail Theft, Nevada 2024 · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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