FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or
MARCIA MURPHY at 410-209-4885
MARCH 27, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BALTIMORE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED ARSON
Baltimore, Maryland - Forell Isaac, age 23, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to attempting to damage or destroy a group home in Baltimore by fire, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.
According to the plea agreement, on December 7, 2004, Isaac, while carrying several empty beer bottles, approached a friend. Isaac told his friend that the beer bottles were for “a project.” Later that same day, Isaac and his friend filled the beer bottles with gasoline. Isaac instructed his friend to tear rags into long strips and shove them into the mouths of the bottles. Isaac and his friend then walked to 3612 Glen Avenue and hurled at least two cocktail bombs at the second floor window of the residence. The cocktail bombs broke the window but did not penetrate the dwelling. They fell to the ground catching a nearby bush on fire and scorching the exterior of the building.
At the time, the building was occupied by several residents. The building was a group home operated by People Encouraging People (PEP), a non-profit organization that provides services to individuals in need of social assistance. It was common knowledge among the residents of the home that Isaac did not like one of the current residents. Prior to the December 4, 2004 incident, Isaac had several altercations with the resident. On December 22, 2004, agents searched Isaac’s home and seized an empty beer bottle with gasoline residue, torn rags and a two gallon gas can.
Isaacs faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. As part of the plea agreement, the parties have agreed that 210 months in prison is an appropriate sentence. U.S. District Judge William M. Nickerson has scheduled sentencing for June 19, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Baltimore Police Department. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Wallner, who is prosecuting the case.