PHILADELPHIA – A shocking case of arson and insurance fraud has emerged as Leonardo Dan Almonte-Fernandez, 39, stands accused of torching his own business, Chevere Mini Market, in North Philly. The U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced the charges against the businessman.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2020, Almonte-Fernandez is alleged to have ignited the fire at 1443 E. Luzerne Street. The defendant, who rented the basement and upper floors of the building, was in arrears with his lease payments and had been cited for underage tobacco sales by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
After the blaze, Almonte-Fernandez reportedly submitted fraudulent claims to State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, seeking $200,000 for damages he claimed were caused by the fire. He also denied any involvement in the incident, according to authorities.
U.S. Attorney McSwain described the defendant’s actions as a brazen display of disregard for the law and public safety. “He put other people’s homes and lives at risk and then tried to steal insurance money,” McSwain said. “Arson is a despicable crime, and we are committed to doing everything possible to punish it.”
John Schmidt, acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division, echoed the sentiments. “Arson is a dangerous crime and a real threat to our community,” Schmidt stated. “The ATF is dedicated to seeking justice against those who use fire as a weapon.”
Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Dennis J. Merrigan also spoke out, emphasizing the commitment of the Philadelphia Fire Marshals Office to investigating acts of arson in the city. The case is one of many that have been built through collaboration with federal and local partners, including the ATF, Philadelphia Police Department, and the Fire Marshal’s Office.
The defendant faces a potential sentence of up to 100 years’ imprisonment if convicted. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Damiani is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Arson and Explosives Task Force, the Philadelphia Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Philadelphia Police Department.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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