The Associated Press
BALTIMORE - A man was found guilty Friday of masterminding Maryland’s largest residential arson, a cluster of fires last December that caused $10 million (euro8 million) in damage at a subdivision under construction.
Patrick Walsh, 21, was found guilty in federal court of conspiracy and multiple counts of arson for planning and helping set more than two dozen fires at the Hunters Brooke development in Indian Head. No one was hurt, but 10 homes were destroyed and 16 severely damaged.
Each count carries a possible prison term of up to 20 years and a $250,000 (euro202,000) fine.
The jury began deliberations Thursday after hearing closing arguments. Five men were accused of setting the fires. Two have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, and the other two are scheduled to go on trial early next year.