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Press Release

Smith County Man Guilty Of Attempted Arson

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Texas

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

TYLER, Texas – A 54-year-old Tyler, Texas, building contractor has pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

            Daniel Kubisty pleaded guilty to attempted arson today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie.

            According to information presented in court, on Mar. 19, 2012, Kubisty accepted $3,000 from Edward Jacobs to burn down a building located at 3322 E. Fifth Street in Tyler that was being used by the “Add-Life Recovery Center” methadone clinic.  Kubisty and Jacobs conspired to burn down the building in order to gain a competitive advantage for the “Methadone Clinic of East Texas” which was owned by Jacobs and also had an office in Tyler, Texas. On Mar. 19, 2012 Kubisty was arrested in Tyler by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and was found to have a gasoline can, with a wick saturated in gasoline protruding from its neck, in the back of his pickup. 

Kubisty faces from five to 20 years in federal prison.  A sentencing date has not been set.

            After Kubisty’s arrest, Jacobs feared Kubisty would testify against him and on June 1, 2012, he arranged a meeting with a man he believed he could hire to murder Kubisty in order to prevent Kubisty’s testimony.  During the meeting, Jacobs offered to pay the hit-man $12,000.00 for Kubisty’s murder.  ATF was monitoring the meeting and arrested Jacobs at the scene.  On Dec. 18, 2012 Jacobs pleaded guilty to attempted arson and solicitation of murder for hire.  He faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each charge.  A sentencing date has not been set.  

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

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Updated March 12, 2015