FORMER TURKEY LEG HUT CO-OWNER PLEADS GUILTY IN HOUSTON ARSON-FOR-HIRE PLOT

HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston businessman and former co-owner of the well-known Turkey Leg Hut restaurant has pleaded guilty to his role in an arson-for-hire scheme that targeted a business owned by a former business partner, federal prosecutors announced.

Lyndell Leroy Price, 42, admitted in federal court that he directed others to intentionally set fire to Bar 5015, a Houston establishment located on Almeda Road. According to court records, the arson was tied to an ongoing business dispute involving ownership interests in both Bar 5015 and the Turkey Leg Hut restaurant.

Federal prosecutors stated that shortly before the attack, the owner of Bar 5015 had rejected Price’s proposal to purchase an interest in the bar and also refused to sell his ownership stake in Turkey Leg Hut, which Price previously co-owned.

According to court documents, the arson occurred during the early morning hours of June 12, 2020. Investigators determined that members of the conspiracy purchased gasoline and gas cans before traveling to the area near the business. Wearing face coverings, the individuals approached the property carrying containers filled with gasoline.

Prosecutors said the conspirators poured gasoline across the entrance ramp and deck area of the business before igniting the fuel and fleeing the scene.

The resulting fire caused substantial damage to the property and created significant risks to surrounding homes, nearby businesses, and critical infrastructure. Authorities noted that the fire also posed a threat to portions of the local electrical grid and could have endangered residents and emergency responders.

Federal investigators further revealed that after the fire was set, one of the co-conspirators contacted Price and reported that the operation had been completed. Members of the conspiracy were subsequently paid for their participation in the attack.

The case highlights the severe penalties associated with federal arson offenses, particularly when commercial properties are targeted and public safety is placed at risk. Federal law treats arson as a serious violent crime because fires can quickly spread beyond their intended targets, placing innocent civilians, firefighters, and surrounding communities in danger.

Price entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit arson of a commercial building before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake. The court accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for Sept. 25, 2026.

He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.

Two co-conspirators, Armani Williams, 27, and Miziah Shepherd, 27, both of Houston, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge. They are also scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25.

Price, Williams, and Shepherd remain in federal custody pending sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Houston Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Houston Fire Department Arson Bureau. Additional assistance was provided by the Houston Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sebastian A. Edwards and Keri Fuller are prosecuting the case.

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