Man Admits Guilt, Must Pay Restitution In 2011 Arson-For-Profit Plot
CLINTON TWP. (WWJ) - A Clinton Township man has pleaded guilty in connection with a fire that caused an explosion in Warren that was heard for miles and damaged 49 houses.
Arson 74, admits to setting fire to his to Best Textile Services in May of 2011, according to U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade. It set off a blast at the commercial laundry service on Hoover near Stephens that caused $1 million in damages to nearby homes.
Yfantidis tried to collect insurance money for the blast. Some local businesses have never been able to reopen, prosecutors said.
In pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud, Yfantidis admitted making a fraudulent claim to his insurance company in relation to fire.
Yfantidis will be sentenced on June 5. Under his plea deal, he has agreed to pay restitution to reimburse victims whose homes and/or personal properties were damaged by the fire explosion.
"As we know arson for profit crimes have many victims. Mr. Yfantidis chose to break the law for his personal gain by putting community and fire fighters at significant risk," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven Bogdalek. "I would like to thank the ATF Special Agents, the Warren Fire Department and the United States Attorney's office for their hard work and dedication in this investigation."
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abed Hammoud.
Those who suffered losses in the blast are urged to contact the U.S. Attorney's Office Victim Witness Coordinator or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms at 313-226-9633.