Erie Man Admits Setting Fire that Destroyed Furniture Business

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of malicious destruction of property by fire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Tony Crawford, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Crawford set fire to the Fred’s Beds and Furniture building located at 117 East 12th Street in Erie on February 5, 2016.  The investigation revealed that Crawford was using his cell phone in close proximity to Fred’s Beds around the time of the fire.  Crawford also revealed that he set the fire to several individuals who were interviewed by law enforcement. 

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Erie Police Department and the Erie Fire Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Crawford.