Indictment Charges Pair With Arson That Destroyed Factory In Bridesburg

PHILADELPHIA – James Pickup, 30, and Shawn Workman, 20, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged today by indictment in an arson conspiracy that caused damage to company that  does business with the United States Navy, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  According to the indictment, on December 16, 2012, the defendants set a fire inside a factory owned by Arco Sales Company, located at 2211 Wakeling Street, in Philadelphia. Arco manufactured and sold renewable and non‑renewable aircraft, missile components, and Naval items to federal government agencies throughout the United States.

The indictment alleges that the defendants committed a burglary at the factory earlier in the day, stealing liquor and computer equipment.  They allegedly set the fire to destroy any evidence they left behind. The arson resulted in a four-alarm fire that completely destroyed the factory.

If convicted the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to a maximum of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanine Linehan. 

Click here to view the indictment

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525