Waterbury Man Charged with Arson

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that a federal grand jury returned an Indictment today charging Timothy Durkin, 42, with maliciously destroying by means of fire real property used in interstate commerce.  Specifically, Durkin is accused of maliciously setting fire to a commercial building located at 3579 Waterbury-Stowe Road in Waterbury, Vermont on October 27, 2017.  Durkin is currently detained in state custody pending unrelated charges in Washington County Superior Court.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge contained in the Indictment is merely an accusation, and that Durkin is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If Durkin is convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and a maximum possible sentence of twenty years. 

United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan praised the collaborative efforts of state and federal law enforcement leading up to the charge.  Nolan stated, “Combatting violent crime will continue be a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to identify the most dangerous offenders and bring them to justice.  We will never stop fighting for the right of every Vermonter to live in safety and security.” 

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Durkin has not yet appeared in federal court.  The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Vermont State Police.