Shabazz Akeem Isiah Watson, Arson, South Carolina 2020

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – A Charleston man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to arson during the protests and riots that occurred in Downtown Charleston on May 30 and 31, 2020.

Shabazz Akeem Isiah Watson, 27, of Saint Stephen, set fires to multiple businesses in the downtown area during that time, causing extensive damage and putting lives at risk. The exact charges brought against Watson were not specified in the release, but he was convicted of and sentenced for arson.

The evidence presented in court showed that Watson entered a wine bar on King Street at 10:33 pm on May 30, 2020, and set a fire using a lighter and paper menus. He then moved on to a retail clothing store, where he lit merchandise and clothing on fire before quickly exiting. Additionally, Watson entered a paint store and lit a cardboard display on fire, and on the night of May 31, 2020, he entered a retail store and set multiple items on fire, causing the entire building to burn and resulting in months of repairs.

The U.S. Attorney's Office praised the thorough investigation carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston Fire Department. The investigation included reviewing hours of video from citizens and business owners, sharing information, and following up on numerous leads.

United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Watson to five years in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Watson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,415,510.75, the total amount of damage caused to the four businesses.

The case serves as a reminder that those who use protests as a cover for violent acts will be held accountable. The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to defend the right of every South Carolinian to peacefully protest without threats to their physical safety.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charleston Police Department, and Charleston Fire Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney, whose name was not specified in the release, prosecuted the case.

Watson's crimes had a significant impact on the community, causing damage to multiple businesses and putting lives at risk. The sentence handed down in this case serves as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/charleston-man-sentenced-5-years-federal-prison-arson