A Camden County man has been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in orchestrating the arson of a Bucks County warehouse. Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., announced that Ramiz Duka, 62, from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, received the sentence from United States District Court Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge. In addition to his prison term, Duka will serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution amounting to $6,158,686.84.
Duka was found guilty on October 30, 2024, for conspiracy to commit malicious damage by means of fire at a building used in interstate commerce. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Duka had recruited two individuals into a plan to set fire to a warehouse located at 1388 Bridgewater Road in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. He paid them $15,000 for their involvement.
The arson took place on December 10, 2022. During efforts to control the blaze, one firefighter sustained serious injuries when a ladder collapsed. The total damages exceeded $6 million.
"Ramiz Duka orchestrated this arson plot and set it in motion with no regard for the unpredictable nature of fire," said Acting U.S. Attorney Thayer. "Arson endangers lives and communities."
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF's Philadelphia Field Division commented on the case: "Arson is a dangerous crime with dire consequences." He expressed gratitude towards various agencies including Bensalem Township Police and Fire-Rescue for their collaboration with the ATF-led Philadelphia Arson and Explosives Task Force.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Bensalem Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz is prosecuting the case.
