ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A Michigan man has been charged with setting fire to nine commercial trailers in New Mexico, according to a federal indictment.
Viorel Pricop, 64, of Allen Park, Michigan, was indicted on nine counts of arson by a federal grand jury on Dec. 20, 2023.
Pricop, who is currently in custody in the Central District of California, where he is charged with arson, allegedly set fire to 25 semi-truck trailers owned by Swift Transportation, a trucking company based in Phoenix, Arizona.
The fires allegedly took place in multiple states, including New Mexico, California, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama.
Pricop was also indicted in the District of Arizona on three counts of arson on Dec. 21, 2023.
An indictment is only an allegation, and Pricop is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, Pricop faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Jack E. Burkhead is prosecuting the case for the District of New Mexico.
Pricop is currently in custody, awaiting trial.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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