DETROIT – A relentless firebug has been locked away, sentenced to 121 months in the slammer for a malicious campaign of truck trailer arson across California. Viorel Pricop, 66, from Allen Park, Michigan, was found guilty of torching six semi-trailers in the Inland Empire and High Desert regions over a 10-month period.
Pricop’s spree began in December 2021 and ended in September 2022, leaving behind a trail of destruction and fear. United States District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes handed down the severe sentence, also ordering Pricop to pay $648,384 in restitution for his wanton disregard for human life.
At trial, a jury convicted Pricop on six counts of arson of vehicle or property in interstate commerce. The defendant has been in federal custody since October 2022, a result of his fiery attacks that endangered lives and disrupted the trucking industry.
‘This defendant was given a second chance but chose to throw it away,’ said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. ‘By setting fire to trailer after trailer with drivers inside, he recklessly put people’s lives at risk. The sentence imposed today serves as a warning to violent recidivist criminals like Pricop.’
Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber of the ATF praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies. ‘Thanks to the outstanding work by dedicated ATF agents, partners from the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office from the Central District of California, a serial arsonist was held to justice,’ Iber said.
The investigation revealed that Pricop used a specific device connected to cell towers near many of the fires. His cellphone’s data showed he was in the vicinity of all the California fires and 18 additional blazes across the country.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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