Joliet Man Charged with Arson in Woodridge

A Joliet man was charged with arson today for allegedly causing a fire that destroyed his employer’s furniture distribution center in west suburban Woodridge.

Ruben Antonio Ochoa Cruz, 20, used a Bic lighter to spark the fire on April 21, 2016, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. He set the fire after meeting with his supervisors regarding an issue with his attendance at work, according to the complaint.

Approximately 65 employees were working at the warehouse at the time of the fire, and all of them escaped safely.

The complaint charges Cruz with one count of arson. He made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez and was ordered held in federal custody. A detention hearing was scheduled for May 4, 2016, at 11:00 a.m.

According to the complaint, firefighters from approximately 30 departments worked for seven hours to extinguish the blaze, which caused millions of dollars in damage. The distribution center was burned to the ground, the complaint states. No firefighters were injured.

The arson charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ruben Antonio Ochoa Cruz

Criminal Charges: One count of arson

City and State: Joliet, Illinois

Date: April 21, 2016

Sentence: To be determined

Dollar Amount: Millions of dollars in damage

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