U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal grand jury has indicted Arletta Allen, a 43-year-old former restaurant owner from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on charges related to arson and fraud. The announcement was made by Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
The indictment includes four counts against Allen: arson of a commercial building, wire fraud and attempted wire fraud, arson in connection with a federal felony, and making false statements to law enforcement.
According to the indictment, Allen allegedly set fire to "A Family Affair Soulfood Kitchen" at 417 S. Main Street in Fond du Lac on or about October 10, 2021. It is claimed that she intended to defraud Germantown Mutual Insurance Company by submitting a false insurance claim while denying involvement in the fire. Furthermore, it is alleged that Allen misled law enforcement about her whereabouts before the incident.
If found guilty, Allen faces significant penalties. Count One carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to twenty years' imprisonment; Count Two could result in up to twenty years' imprisonment; Count Three involves a mandatory minimum ten-year sentence consecutive to other sentences; and Count Four could lead to up to five years' imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly B. Watzka and Porchia S. Lewand are prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For further information contact:
Public Information Officer
Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov
(414) 297-1700
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