Marcasey Ventour, age 28, of Albany, New York, was sentenced July 17 to five years in federal prison for starting a fire at the Samuel S. Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albany.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office announced the sentencing. Sarcone said, “Thanks to our partners at the Department of Veterans Affairs, this defendant will now spend the next five years in federal prison. Mr. Ventour showed reckless disregard for both staff and the veterans receiving care when he started this fire, and now will be held accountable.”
Algieri said, “This case underscores the VA OIG’s commitment to protecting veterans, VA employees, and federal property. We will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety and integrity of VA facilities.”
As part of his guilty plea, Ventour admitted to having started a fire in a restricted storage area that caused $77,490 in damage to the facility. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Ventour is also required to pay restitution and must serve a two-year term of post-release supervision.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York prosecutes federal criminal cases and defends civil matters on behalf of the United States; it covers 32 counties with offices in Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh and Syracuse; employs about 50 Assistant United States Attorneys with more than 50 support staff; coordinates law enforcement initiatives; conducts outreach programs; is part of the United States Department of Justice; serves an area exceeding 30,000 square miles with about 3.4 million residents, all according to the official website.