Unhoused Woman Faces Federal Charges in Albuquerque Warehouse Arson

ALBUQUERQUE – An unhoused woman is facing federal charges in connection with the arson of a commercial storage warehouse in Albuquerque.

According to court records, on October 14, 2024, Samantha Lee, 41, allegedly set fire to a storage warehouse used by the Crowne Plaza Hotel and The Querque Hotel on Menaul Blvd NE in Albuquerque.

Lee is charged with one count of arson. She will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for February 10, 2026. If convicted of the current charges, Lee faces no less than five and up to 20 years in prison.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Shawn Stallo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.

If you have any information relating to this matter or other crimes committed by Lee, please contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 1-888-ATF-TIPS or ATFTips@atf.gov.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.