A Sanford man has confessed to intentionally setting fire to a multi-unit rental property, leaving extensive damage and risking the lives of his neighbors.
Thomas McGinn, 49, pleaded guilty to arson in U.S. District Court in Portland, Maine on May 5, 2021. According to court records, McGinn used gasoline and lighter fluid as accelerants to start the fire at 38 Spruce Street, a multi-unit rental property.
McGinn stated that his intention was to "burn the building down," and fortunately, firefighters were able to save the structure from collapse. However, the most significant damage occurred to an apartment occupied by McGinn at the time.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Sanford Police Department and the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, investigated the case.
McGinn faces a period of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years and a fine up to a $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
McGinn’s actions put the lives of his neighbors at risk, and his decision to confess to the crime has brought a sense of relief to the community.
Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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