A federal grand jury in Vermont has returned an indictment charging Shant Soghomonian, 35, previously of Northridge, California with using fire to damage the building at One Church Street – a building used in interstate commerce.
The incident occurred on April 5, 2024, when Soghomonian entered the building and proceeded to the third floor where the Vermont office of Senator Sanders is located. He sprayed a liquid near the outer door of the office and then lit the area with a handheld lighter, causing a blaze that quickly began.
Soghomonian departed via a staircase, leaving behind distinctive items that were later recovered during his arrest and subsequent searches of his hotel room and vehicle.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the indictment contains only allegations and that Soghomonian is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
According to court records, if convicted, Soghomonian faces a maximum possible penalty of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and sentencing factors in the United States Code.
Soghomonian will be arraigned on the indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle next week, likely on Tuesday April 23, 2024. He currently remains detained pending further proceedings.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Lasher. Soghomonian is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino.
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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