NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ARCHIE MORRIS, age 40, of New Orleans, was charged Friday, Sept. 21, 2018 with arson, possession of unregistered destructive devices, and possession of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the indictment, on or about April 2, 2018 MORRIS started fires at 2260 North Prieur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, at two different times of the day. These fires were started using Molotov cocktails, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(i), 924(c)(1)(A), and 924(c)(1)(B)(ii); and Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841 and 5861(d). The indictment further alleges that, on or about April 7, 2018, MORRIS started three additional fires at 2260 North Prieur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, at different times of the day, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i).
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, MORRIS faces, as to Counts One, Three, Six, Seven and Eight of the Indictment, a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of twenty years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment, per count. As to Counts Two and Four of the Indictment, the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $10,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment, per count. As to Count Five, the defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of thirty years and a maximum term of life, a fine of $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Fire Department, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
