Taj R. Williams, 33, Sentenced to 104 Months in Prison for Arson and Unlawful Possession of Molotov Cocktails

A federal judge has sentenced Taj R. Williams, 33, of Rochester, to 104 months in prison for his role in a firebombing incident at a local convenience store.

On January 18, 2015, Williams used a tire iron to shatter the front glass door of the Chili Express Mini Mart located at 989 Chili Avenue in Rochester. He then removed three Molotov cocktails from a bag, lit them, and threw them inside the store.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, all of the devices exploded, causing extensive fire damage to the interior structure and its merchandise.

The investigation was led by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli, the Rochester Fire Department, under the direction of Chief John Schreiber, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the sentencing, saying that Williams’ actions were a serious threat to public safety.

Gregory praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, saying that their work was crucial in bringing Williams to justice.

Contact: Barbara Burns, Phone: (716) 843-5817, Fax: (716) 551-3051.

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