Hammond, LA – Christmas Eve took a dark turn for a Hammond Walmart when Terrence Coe, 45, of New Orleans, decided to try and help himself to some goods the hard way. Coe pleaded guilty Tuesday to arson, admitting he intentionally set fire to merchandise inside the store, according to federal prosecutors.
The feds say Coe wasn’t interested in a holiday spirit of giving, but rather in stealing. Court documents reveal that on December 24, 2022, Coe attempted to open a package he wanted to pilfer, and when that failed, he resorted to using a lighter – igniting nearby merchandise. The resulting fire caused damage and triggered a swift response from local fire crews.
Three days later, facing the heat, Coe turned himself in to the Hammond Police Department. He reportedly confessed to starting the blaze, detailing his failed theft attempt and the use of a lighter. The confession brought the investigation under the purview of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who worked alongside the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans isn’t offering Coe any holiday cheer. The arson charge, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(i), carries a hefty penalty. Coe is now looking at a minimum mandatory sentence of five years in federal prison, with a potential maximum term of 20 years.
Beyond imprisonment, Coe could also be hit with a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted, he’ll face up to three years of supervised release following his prison term, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit is handling the prosecution.
The ATF and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal were praised by Evans for their work on the case. While the motive appears to be petty theft, the consequences for Coe are anything but. The case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly impulsive acts can carry severe federal penalties. Sentencing is pending.
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
