A federal jury has convicted Viorel Pricop, 66, of Allen Park, Michigan, on three counts of arson involving vehicles or property in interstate commerce. Pricop was found guilty of setting fire to three semi-truck trailers owned by Swift Transportation, a Phoenix-based trucking company. The incidents occurred at truck stops in Willcox and Holbrook, Arizona.
During the eight-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Pricop's actions were part of a broader pattern targeting Swift Transportation. In addition to the Arizona fires, evidence showed that Pricop set at least 16 more Swift trailers on fire between October 2021 and September 2022 across several states from Barstow, California to McCalla, Alabama. Most incidents took place along Interstate 10 and Interstate 40. Federal charges for some of these fires were also brought against him in other districts; notably, he was convicted of six arsons in a 2024 criminal trial in the Central District of California.
Cellular data analysis played a key role in linking Pricop to the crimes. Investigators determined that his navigation device connected to cell towers near the sites and times of the fires. Additionally, his cellphone was located in the areas where all three Arizona arsons occurred.
Authorities discovered a gas torch, lighters, and fuel-soaked rags inside Pricop’s vehicle during their investigation.
United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker has set sentencing for November 13, 2025. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to twenty years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Albuquerque Field Office with support from ATF’s Phoenix Field Division as well as ATF Fire Research and Forensic Laboratories staff and Certified Fire Investigators. Special Agents from the ATF National Cellular Analytics Program also assisted. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.
"
